Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
CASH raised by this weekend’s Thank You Bahrain celebrations will be used to fund the launch of a special residential sanctuary with legal, medical and emotional support for expatriates in need.
A grand raffle boasting a variety of top prizes including a car, airline tickets and electrical goods, will help boost the takings for the shelter initiative launched by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA).
Betsy Mathieson, president of the event’s organising committee and secretary general of the association, said: “Cost is of course a big factor and the shelter will be funded solely from donations.
“Knowing how kind and generous the Bahraini community is I believe the shelter will be well supported by both businesses and individuals. Some embassies are so eager to have such a shelter that they have already offered some financial assistance.”
Thousands of people are expected to flock to the National Stadium car park in Riffa on Friday between 2pm-11pm to join in the free festivities featuring school performances, live music with Pakistani pop singer Humaira Arshad on stage, camel and pony rides, and more, as expat groups and bodies express their support to the kingdom and its people.
Although for most expats living the Bahrain dream means a tax free salary, sunshine and cheap petrol … it can go horribly wrong.
There have been several reported cases of former executives living on the streets and beaches, surviving hand-to-mouth and unable to take up new positions elsewhere because of the legal tangle they find themselves in. Unemployed and faced with unpaid bank loans and rental arrears, subsequent travel bans, lost residency and legal battles can result in desperation for those falling in the trap.
Ms Mathieson said: “We are aware of these issues and have been quietly and respectfully lobbying concerned authorities who have been very supportive and willing to listen and find solutions.
“To this end many have been helped by new rules which allow those under a travel ban to find employment to be able to earn and support themselves. Also, domestic workers are now protected by Bahrain labour laws and these are two excellent steps forward and we continue to work with the authorities to find a clear and simple path that benefits everyone.
“The BFEA shelter will offer legal, emotional and medical support. In fact the legal aspect is important as many expatriates are not aware of their rights or their obligations under the law. Sometimes it is a simple matter of making them aware of these and helping them to move forward.
“Some employers still do not follow the labour laws and withhold passports, salaries, benefits and make employees pay fees such as LMRA residency permits which is not allowed, but the ignorance of the employee sometimes makes them more vulnerable.
“One of our objectives is to inform and educate our communities and ask all embassies to make sure they make their citizens aware of such things before they leave their home country.”
The shelter plan is a BFEA project and is the first of its kind in the region. There are several community leaders on its executive launch committee including Bahrain’s ambassador to China, Karime Shaker, The Very Reverend Christopher Butt of St Christopher’s Cathedral, Yousef Salahuddin, Wedad Al Mossawi, Afnan Al Zayani and others.
Ms Mathieson said: “Such humanitarian projects are necessary in all communities and in all countries of the world as there are always those whose needs are not met by conventional government agencies and other institutes.
“We are aware there are other organisations and charities who offer great assistance to those in need on an ad hoc basis but by listening to them and the embassies we realise the demand is overwhelming and a more organised permanent solution is urgently required.”
The plan is for the sanctuary to house 100 initially and be open to all. Its location is set to be officially announced shortly. “We will work to assist everyone, as when it comes to human rights we are all equal and we will set up a special committee from embassies, clubs, societies, etc., to nominate those who are most deserving,” she explained. “The first building will be temporary with a purpose-built facility being our dream for the future.”
Staffing and building maintenance will be paid for by donations and continuing fund-raising.
* Anyone who would like to help can contact 39613739 or email: Bahrainfea@hotmail.com
