MPs are pushing for Bahrainis to be allowed to travel to Europe without visas.

They approved an urgent proposal to seek the exemption yesterday (May 12), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The issue has now been referred to the government, which will be asked to lobby for Bahrainis to visit Europe without requiring Schengen visas.

First vice-chairman MP Ali Al Aradi said the idea came out of a meeting last week with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels, Belgium.

“The summer is close and families and couples are forced to wait for long periods to get visas to Europe, which takes up to three months, while we give their nationals a visa on arrival as our officials smile,” said Al Aradi.

“We apply for a Schengen visa and an appointment is set, but we are not asked questions - rather interrogated as if we are criminals.

“UAE nationals are now exempt from visas and if they (European countries) don't want us to treat them similarly, then an agreement has to be signed with Bahrain for an exclusive deal.” - TradeArabia News Service