Bahrain Updates Housing Rules for Widows and Divorcees

Bahrain is making major changes to its housing regulations to improve services for its citizens, according to Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. These updates aim to remove previous obstacles and make housing access fairer for everyone.

Key Changes to Housing Eligibility

One significant update is the removal of the rule that previously disqualified wives who inherited property from receiving housing services. Now, the Ministry will only consider income levels when issuing nomination certificates, rather than during the housing allocation process. This ensures that applicants' financial situations and inherited assets won’t affect their eligibility.

Streamlined Application Process

Minister Al Rumaihi announced that the new rules, which were developed with input from legislative and executive bodies, are already being put into effect. These changes were influenced by feedback from Bahraini citizens through the National Suggestions and Complaints System "Tawasul."

The Cabinet’s approval has also led to simpler criteria for obtaining nomination certificates, especially for widows and divorced individuals with minor children. The updated regulations remove age-related conditions for children listed in housing applications. 

Updated Nomination Process

A key update is that once a nomination certificate is granted to widows or divorced individuals with minor children, the application will not be impacted if their children turn 21. This change is part of the Ministry’s efforts to prioritize housing for those most in need.