Plea By Stranded Expats In Bahrain

Several Expats in Bahrain have controversially had travel bans imposed and are appealing to have them lifted.

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) July 13th, 2011 – Expats in Bahrain have had travel bans imposed due to outstanding debts to banks and financial institutions.

The Travel Ban Support Group representing those affected claim that the bans were made without prior agreement and that this contravenes the International Standard of Banking Practice.

In an attempt to rectify the situation the group has attempted to open a dialogue with officials in Bahrain and are urging the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) to regulate such practices in future. They claim that this is necessary as the central issue at the moment is a lack of clarity in the law and that a lack of communication between government departments has scuppered any previous attempts at finding a solution.

Expats with travel bans imposed are unable to visit their families abroad and are unable to travel even in cases of emergency. The Travel Ban Support Group claim that this is a violation of their human rights.

The ban has created a catch-22 where Expats are unable to obtain work permits and so have no way to pay-off their debts. This then means that their level of debt worsens and there are forced to remain in the country with nowhere to live and in destitute conditions.

The TBSP are working to find a solution and have been backed by the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society. In an attempt to raise awareness the group are also using social networking sites like facebook and twitter.

It is presently unclear exactly how many Expats are affected but estimates range from dozens to hundreds. With more and more people likely to find themselves in this situation the TBSP are urging the Bahraini government to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Several of those affected have sent a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron in an attempt to apply some international political pressure, but as yet have had no response.

David Harra, a Senior Market & Investment Analyst with Pryce Warner International, a financial services provider for Expats, commented: “It is vital that the Bahraini government resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Expats form a significant part of the population and that so many can have their human rights contravened in this way is very worrying, especially for those that need to travel under emergencies. This also highlights the extra care that Expats need to apply to their finances, as well as having a back-up plan should the worst happen.”

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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