Bahrain Ratifies Laws on Evidence Rules, Insurance Protection and Plant Resources

The Kingdom of Bahrain has ratified three major pieces of legislation covering social insurance protection for Gulf citizens, reforms to civil evidence rules, and the protection of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Laws (11), (12) and (13) of 2026 after they were approved by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, marking another step in the country’s efforts to update its legal and regulatory framework.

Law (11) of 2026 approves amendments to the Unified System for the Extension of Insurance Protection for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council who work in member states other than their own. The system is designed to ensure that GCC nationals working elsewhere in the Gulf continue to enjoy social insurance benefits under their home country’s scheme.

The amendments strengthen coordination among pension and social insurance authorities across the region and broaden the scope of protection available to workers. They also introduce new mechanisms for collecting insurance contributions and updating employee data, while expanding coverage to include benefits such as retirement, disability and unemployment protection.

The unified insurance framework, first adopted by GCC states in 2006, allows Gulf citizens working in another member state to remain insured under the social security system of their home country, helping preserve their pension rights and providing financial protection in cases such as old age, disability or loss of employment.

Law (12) of 2026 introduces amendments to Bahrain’s Law of Evidence in Civil and Commercial Matters, originally issued under Decree-Law No. (14) of 1996. The revisions aim to modernise procedures governing how evidence is presented and evaluated in civil and commercial disputes, in line with evolving legal practices and technological developments.

The amendments are expected to streamline litigation procedures and strengthen the reliability and efficiency of evidentiary processes before courts, supporting Bahrain’s broader efforts to enhance the efficiency of its judicial system and reinforce investor confidence in the country’s legal environment.

Law (13) of 2026 approves the Unified Law on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for GCC states. The legislation seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources that are essential for food production and agricultural development across the region.

The law also aims to facilitate cooperation among GCC countries in preserving biodiversity, protecting agricultural resources and ensuring fair access to genetic materials used in food and farming systems.

Under the royal decrees, the Prime Minister and relevant ministers are tasked with implementing the provisions of the new laws within their respective areas of responsibility. The legislation will come into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

The ratification of the three laws reflects Bahrain’s continued commitment to strengthening regional legal integration within the GCC while updating domestic legislation to address economic, agricultural and social protection priorities.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.