Bahrainis accepting Qatari nationality are affecting the national interests and security of Bahrain, a top official said last night.

Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said in a statement that some Bahraini families had been offered citizenship in Qatar, including ‘various privileges’, but that it did not take Bahrain’s laws into consideration.

But he urged Bahraini citizens to reject such offers so as to protect their legal status in the country, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

“I am confident that Qatar, which is a brotherly neighbour to Bahrain, will reconsider its position on this matter,” said Shaikh Rashid.

“Naturalising Bahrainis negatively affects the security situation and supreme national interests of Bahrain.”

He also called on Bahrainis to avoid penalties for violating the 1863 Nationality Law and its recent amendments, which regulate obtaining foreign nationalities.

“GCC agreements allow Gulf nationals to enjoy privileges, including the right to work and own property and move between countries of the region,” he said in a statement.

“Therefore, obtaining nationality in any other GCC countries is unnecessary.”

He also emphasised the importance of the GCC agreement, which was confirmed in Riyadh on April 17, to not interfere in the internal affairs of any Gulf country to protect the region’s security. - TradeArabia News Service