A tougher clampdown on licencing expatriate bachelors' camps in residential areas was given the go-ahead yesterday.

Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa gave his instructions in this respect as he chaired the weekly cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

'The new procedures aim to preserve the privacy of residential areas,' the session heard.

Ministries and other concerned parties were also instructed to step up co-ordination to enforce the new measures.

A ministerial committee in charge of public utilities has been tasked to draft the necessary legislative and organisational procedures.

While preserving the privacy of residential areas, the move would also ensure expatriate bachelors their own zones.

The session stressed the need to ensure these camps comply with required norms, regarding safety, security, health and environment.

The Premier instructed ministries and government departments to improve the trade balance between Bahrain and its partners as the cabinet reviewed the status of commercial relations with friendly countries.

Instructions were also given to intensify the inspection of labour camps and ensure their compliance with the required health and safety standards.

The Cabinet approved plans to rehabilitate the northern coast of Sitra and instructed the Municipalities and Agriculture Minister to co-ordinate with the Northern Municipal Council and other concerned parties in implementing the project.

The Cabinet gave the green light to set up more entertainment and service facilities in the Southern Governorate, including public parks.

Instructions were also given to municipal officials to co-ordinate with the Southern Governorate.

The session also instructed Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry, Culture and Information Ministry, the Southern Governorate and the municipal council to revamp Hawar islands mosque.

It gave the green light for a draft law authorising the appropriation of an additional BD332.7 million for the fiscal years 2009-2010.

An additional BD173.4 million will be earmarked for this year's budget.

The balance will be allotted for the 2010 fiscal year to boost the budgets of ministries and government departments, in addition to recurrent expenditure and project budget. The draft law has been referred to the parliament for scrutiny.

The Cabinet approved and referred to the legislative authority a draft law amending the decree on issuing development bonds.

The session also discussed and referred a draft law exempting government employees from the law on civil service should they inherit stakes in a company or receive them as grants.

The ministers approved the admission of Bahrain in the Iran-based City Water management Regional Council.-TradeArabia News Service