Expat population rising in Bahrain
By SOMAN BABY
Published: 1st February 2007
THE number of expatriates coming to live in Bahrain is rising, according to figures released yesterday.
Expatriates who were given new residence permits (RPs) or had existing ones renewed last year rose to 221,239, about 11 per cent more than in 2005.
These included 34,131 housemaids, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) acting human resources and finance director Nayef Ahmed Al Sherooqi.
The figures released were of those who were granted new RPs and those whose permits were renewed.
Expat population rising in Bahrain
By SOMAN BABY
Published: 1st February 2007
THE number of expatriates coming to live in Bahrain is rising, according to figures released yesterday.
Expatriates who were given new residence permits (RPs) or had existing ones renewed last year rose to 221,239, about 11 per cent more than in 2005.
These included 34,131 housemaids, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) acting human resources and finance director Nayef Ahmed Al Sherooqi.
The figures released were of those who were granted new RPs and those whose permits were renewed.
“The GDNPR issued and renewed 221,230 RPs in 2006, against 197,151 in 2005,” Mr Al Sherooqi told the GDN.
“These included 152,705 visas for expatriate employees last year, against 132,921 in 2005.
“The number of family visas issued last year was 30,954, compared with 28,078 in 2005.”
Mr Al Sherooqi said the number of housemaids in the country was also on a steady increase. “Last year, GDNPR issued and renewed 34,131 RPs for housemaids, against 32,922 in 2005.”
“Foreigners married to Bahrainis who were granted RPs last year were 3,400, compared with 3,200 in the previous year.
“Foreigners who marry Bahrainis are eligible for Bahraini passport only five years after the application is made for the first time.”
The immigration services will go hi-tech to provide faster and more efficient services to the public this month, said Mr Al Sherooqi.
The RP section is being expanded and renovated with state-of-the-art facilities in the first phase.
The renovated area on the ground floor of the main building at GDNPR headquarters, Manama, will be opened to the public later this month, said Mr Al Sherooqi. “It will have 15 counters where people will be attended to on a first come, first served basis,” he added.
“People can take priority coupons from a machine in the hall on arrival.
“There is also comfortable seating for those waiting for their turn.”
The new area will replace the current overcrowded RP section with limited facilities.
Mr Al Sherooqi said there were separate counters for the issue, renewal and cancellation of RPs.
The renovation of the RP section will be followed by that of the visa and Bahraini passport sections.
“We hope the refurbishment of all these three departments will be completed by the middle of this year,” said Mr Al Sherooqi.
“As these departments have close interaction with the public, the Interior Ministry has allocated a special budget for their facelift. We are sure the move will enhance the overall image of GDNPR.”
© Gulf Daily News
