British Expats Choose To Stay In Bahrain

Expats in Bahrain have decided to ignore the warnings issued by the British government and are choosing to stay in Bahrain.

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) July 21st, 2011 – Despite the recent troubles in Bahrain when the British government send a plane to evacuate Expats, it left almost empty.

Despite the problems many Expats have decided to stay and continue to do business as well as promote the island in the face of what they see as inaccurate international news coverage.

One of their aims is to form a council that has direct ties to the royal family and government to help highlight issues of concern and aid the country throughout its reform.

Expats in the Kingdom are keen to point out that despite the upheavals, the country is still the one they know and love, and that the essential nature and spirit of the country is still intact.

The majority of expatriates did not feel the need to desert the kingdom in its time of need, and in fact many remained to work even harder to help when it was needed most.

Expat groups have pointed out that the recent news coverage was often inaccurate and lacking in objectivity and aimed to try and sensationalise the problems as part of a grander narrative of middle-eastern protests and uprisings.

This has led to a loss of business in Bahrain, something many Expats are now working to address and rebuilt the kingdom’s shattered reputation.

At a meeting of some of the kingdom’s most prominent Expats hosted by his majesty King Hamad, attendees were urged to counter the reputation being presented at every opportunity and heard that a new national dialogue will offer the opportunity to build a more prosperous Bahrain.

One of the aims of the meeting is to promote Bahrain as the potential “Singapore of the Middle East” citing the two nations similar lack of natural resources yet strong legal systems and property investment opportunities.

A group of Expats led by Andrew Stevenson, a member of Bahrain rugby club’s executive committee, have petitioned the King for his support in forming an Expatriate council. The council would aim to promote a platform of direct communication between Expats and the government as well as help promote the kingdom’s standing in the region and further overseas.

In response to the address my Mr Stevenson, his majesty King Hamad pledged a transparent and wide ranging inquest into the recent unrest while recognising the important role that Expats have played over the years in Bahrians commercial, cultural and economic development.

David Retikin, Director of Operations at Pryce Warner International, a financial services provider for Expats, commented: “It is reassuring to hear that so many Expats feel so passionate about their adopted home that they are resolved to remain when times are tough and ensure the continued stability of the country. Expats, particularly in Bahrain, have often played a large role in the development of countries and there is certainly good cause for a greater development of the integration between the Expat community and the local government. It is often easy to take for granted what the international news media report of matters of civil unrest and it shows great strength of character from the Expat community to stand up and try and redress the balance, however the extent of the accusations in the international media is such that they cannot be ignored. That King Hamad is planning a transparent inquest is reassuring to Bahrain's democratic future, if it remains transparent.”

Pryce Warner International Group provide International Asset & Investment Management, Independent Financial Advice & QROPS Overseas Pensions.

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By: Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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