King Hamad issued two new decree-laws on 16 October 2026 to update regulations regarding travel documentation and local governance in Bahrain. Decree-Law No 37 of 2026 amends Article 9 of the 1975 Passports Law, revising the specific eligibility criteria for individuals entitled to special passports. Concurrently, Decree-Law No 38 of 2026 modifies the 2002 Governorates Law. This second measure establishes a new regulatory framework governing the formal appointment process and the specific administrative duties assigned to Mukhtars. These legislative adjustments form part of ongoing updates to the national statutes concerning administrative authority and public documentation.
Revised Special Passport Eligibility
Eligibility for special passports under Decree-Law No 37 of 2026 extends to members of the Shura Council and Parliament, officials holding the rank of under-secretary or higher, members of the Constitutional Court, and judges of the Cassation Court. These specific categories are codified to ensure consistency in the issuance of travel documents for senior state officials. Military and security personnel who hold the rank of major-general or above are also eligible for these documents, provided they do not qualify for diplomatic passports. This distinction clarifies the hierarchy of travel documentation available to high-ranking members of the kingdom's security and military establishments.
Former speakers, ministers, and under-secretaries remain eligible for special passports, though issuance for these individuals is now subject to approval by the Prime Minister. This requirement ensures that the distribution of these specific travel documents remains under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s office, even for those who have transitioned out of their primary government roles.
The scope of the new regulations also includes the families of those who meet the primary criteria. Spouses and children under the age of 21 are entitled to receive special passports. Unmarried daughters of eligible officials are also included under these updated eligibility provisions, ensuring that the families of public servants retain access to special documentation under the revised legal framework.
New Regulations for Mukhtars
Decree-Law No 38 of 2026 establishes specific criteria for the selection and service of Mukhtars within the kingdom. The law amends the 2002 Governorates Law to provide a full structure for the appointment and duties of these local officials. Candidates for the position must hold Bahraini nationality and possess the ability to read and write. The law mandates that applicants have no record of felony convictions or disciplinary dismissal from public service, ensuring that those in these administrative roles meet specific conduct and background requirements.
Appointments for these roles are made by the Interior Minister based on nominations provided by the relevant governor. This process creates a direct line of authority between the governorates and the national government. Once appointed, a Mukhtar serves a term of four years. The regulation also stipulates that any individual assuming the role of Mukhtar must be at least 40 years old, setting an age threshold intended to ensure that those serving in these positions possess sufficient maturity and experience for their administrative responsibilities.