Bahrain Arrest Records: A Guide To Accessing Information

If you are looking to check arrest records in Bahrain, there are a few options available. The Kingdom of Bahrain's National Portal offers eServices that allow users to perform legal transactions related to court cases, execution files, juridical announcements, licenses, and attorney services. These services are provided by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf. However, it is important to note that these services are currently only available in Arabic. Additionally, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence provides security services and can issue a good conduct certificate. They can also provide information on police stations where fingerprints can be registered. For employment purposes, CVCheck offers a nationwide criminal record search in Bahrain for a fee, which is conducted through the Ministry of Interior and multiple national and local sources. It is important to note that this check is specifically for employment purposes. Alternatively, you can check for court-ordered travel bans online on Bahrain.bh, although these are typically related to civil cases. For immigration bans, it is necessary to send someone with your passport details to the NPRA to check in person.

Court-ordered travel bans

In addition to financial matters, court-ordered travel bans can also be imposed in relation to criminal cases. For instance, in the case of Mr Nabeel Rajab, President of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, a travel ban was imposed on him in relation to criminal case No. 2015/38288, involving charges of "insulting a statutory body" and "disseminating false rumours in time of war" related to his tweets about the torture of detainees and air strikes in Yemen.

To check for a court-ordered travel ban in Bahrain, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the Bahrain.bh website.
• Navigate to the relevant section for court-ordered travel bans.
• Provide the necessary information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and release information.
• Review the information provided by the website to determine if you have any outstanding travel bans related to civil cases.
• If you suspect an immigration ban, you will need to send someone with your passport details to the NPRA to check in person.

It is important to note that the online system may not always be up to date, and there may be delays in updating travel ban information. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional in Bahrain who can provide more accurate and timely information about any travel restrictions that may apply to you.

Immigration bans

Bahrain is known for its expat-friendly policies, including affordable housing, easy visa acquisition, and digital readiness. However, immigration bans are in place to protect the country's inhabitants and businesses, especially in the financial sector. Here are some important points to note about immigration bans in Bahrain:

• Reasons for Immigration Bans: Immigration bans in Bahrain can be imposed for various reasons, including financial cases, unpaid debts, criminal cases, or impending investigations. These bans are designed to safeguard the country's interests and protect vulnerable sectors like banks and financial institutions.
• Documents Required: To check your immigration ban status in Bahrain, you will need specific documents. These include your Bahrain National ID (if available) and a copy of your last used visa (if available). It is important to note that you can still check your immigration ban status even if you don't have a Bahrain ID or civil ID, or a working Bahraini phone number.
• Legal Representation: It is advisable to seek legal representation when dealing with immigration bans. Reputable lawyers can represent you at the authorities to check your immigration ban status and guide you through the process. They can also assist in closing any unpaid liabilities with banks or financial institutions, helping you obtain the best settlement offers.
• Instances to Check Immigration Ban: There are several instances where checking your immigration ban status before travelling to Bahrain is crucial. These include having unpaid loans or credit card debts in Bahrain, absconding from a previous job, facing civil or criminal proceedings in Bahrain, requiring a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) with uncertainty about obtaining it, or having pending liabilities in another GCC country.
• Avoiding Scams: Be cautious of fake lawyers and fraud agents who claim to be able to remove your travel ban to enter or exit Bahrain. Always conduct thorough research and seek legal representation from reputable sources to avoid falling victim to scams.
• Expatriate Rights and Protections: Bahrain has a legal system in place to protect the rights of expatriate employees. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) regulates work permits, entry visas, and residency permits for expatriates. The LMRA also provides an Expatriate Portal where expatriates can verify their legal status, eligibility to work, and access information on their rights and obligations.

Criminal records

Criminal record information in Bahrain is maintained by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Bahrain Police Force. The CID issues a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also called a Good Conduct Certificate, which certifies that an individual has not taken part in any criminal activity that led to the involvement of the Bahraini Police Force. This certificate is often required for immigration, employment, visa applications, and residency processes.

To obtain a PCC, individuals must apply through the Bahrain Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. The application process typically involves submitting a completed application form, providing necessary identification and residency documents, and giving fingerprint impressions. The processing time for a PCC can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks, and expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

In Bahrain, a nationwide criminal record search can be conducted through the Court of Cassation, controlled by the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs of Bahrain. This search reports felony-level convictions from the past 7 years and may include case type, file date, file location, charge information, disposition information, and sentencing information.

Additionally, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence provides security services to all citizens or residents, inside or outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. They can be contacted for any crime-related emergencies.

Civil cases

To check civil case arrest records in Bahrain, you can utilise the services provided by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf. These services are designed to facilitate legal transactions efficiently and conveniently. However, it is important to note that these services are currently available only in Arabic.

For civil cases, you can refer to the Court Cases Services section on the Bahrain National portal. This section provides a group of services related to civil, shareia, and criminal cases. While the specific steps within this section are in Arabic, you can navigate to the portal and select the relevant category to proceed.

Additionally, if you are concerned about open police records or potential travel bans, there are a few options available. Court-ordered travel bans, which typically arise from civil cases involving financial debts, can be checked online on Bahrain.bh. However, immigration bans are not listed on this website, and you would need to send someone with your passport details to the NPRA to check in person.

If you require a criminal record check for employment purposes, you can order a nationwide search conducted through the Ministry of Interior – General Directorate of CID and Multiple National and Local Sources. This type of check is specifically intended for employment purposes and comes with an estimated delivery time of 7 days.

Furthermore, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence provides security services to citizens and residents of Bahrain. They offer a range of services, including the issuance of good conduct certificates and fingerprint registration at police stations. You can contact the Police on 999 in case of any crime emergency.

Judicial system

The Kingdom of Bahrain's judicial system is made up of three courts that interpret and apply the laws of the country. These are the Civil Courts, Sharia Courts, and Criminal Courts. Each of these courts has lower and high courts, with judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council and appointed by decree by the King of Bahrain.

The Civil Courts have jurisdiction over all commercial, civil, and administrative disputes, as well as disputes related to the personal status and domestic relations of non-Muslims. The Sharia Courts, which apply Sharia law, have jurisdiction over all aspects of the personal status of Muslims. The Criminal Courts have jurisdiction over criminal matters.

The Court of Cassation, established in 1989, is the highest court of appeal for all civil, commercial, and criminal matters. The judges are appointed and can be removed by royal decree. The current Chief Justice of Bahrain and president of the Court of Cassation is Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, a cousin of the prime minister and a member of the Al Khalifa ruling family of Bahrain.

The Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court are also among the highest courts in Bahrain. The Constitutional Court was established in 2002 as an independent judicial body with exclusive competence to settle disputes related to the constitutionality of laws and regulations. Its judgments and decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

The National Safety Court is a special military court set up in March 2011 to try protesters, opposition leaders, rights activists, and supporters of the Bahraini uprising. It has been criticized by international human rights organizations for trying civilians in a military court and for a lack of transparency and due process.

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf is the executive body that oversees all administrative aspects related to the functioning of the courts and works in cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council and all parties related to the justice and law enforcement system.

Frequently asked questions