Bahrain delays new law on transport of labourers

TRANSPORT DELAY: Bahrain has postponed the introduction of a ban on transporting labourers in open trucks. (Getty Images)

Bahrain officials have decided to extend the delay the introduction of a new law banning the transport of labourers in open trucks and vehicles until May 1.

The decision, which has angered human rights activists in the Gulf state, follows a call by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry to postpone the ban, claiming the cost in establishing a fleet of vehicles that complied with the law, could seriously affect their earnings.

Supporters of the new rule, however, accused companies of putting profit before the safety of their employees, Gulf Daily News reported on Monday.

The ban was first mooted after a spate of serious road accidents in which workers were killed after the open trucks in which they were being transported overturned.

But the chamber maintained that the ban would bring half of Bahrain's construction projects to a standstill.

It said that it was an ill-conceived move that would have disastrous consequences and claimed the measure would strain companies already overburdened by costs.

Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) secretary-general Dr Abdulla Al Deerazi told the paper: "It is very unfortunate to learn about the Cabinet's decision.

"I hope that May will bring new hopes to these people and the government will be able to implement the decision. It already has been postponed for years and companies have been making enough profit from these people."

Under the ban, companies face a minimum fine of 100 dinars ($265), while the owner or driver could also be jailed for six months.

Vehicles caught transporting workers illegally a second time will have their registration suspended for 30 days, the Interior Ministry announced last month.

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