"We have received numerous complaints from Bahraini nationals about the
presence of foreigners who do not respect local traditions and values, and
we need to genuinely address the issue," Bahraini parliamentarian Abdullah
Al A'ali said.
The issue was highlighted during the Id Al Fitr festival, which marked
the end of the Islamic fast month of Ramadan. In September 2008, human
rights activists reported police attacks on Asian expatriates who sought
entry to malls or other
public areas.
In Doha, Qatari police whipped and kicked Asian laborers to keep them
from walking down a main thoroughfare. Officials said the thoroughfare had
been reserved for Qatari families.
"We employ whips because they do not understand," a Qatari officer said.
Kuwait and Qatar have already constructed communities restricted to
Asian and other laborers. Both GCC countries were said to severely restrict
the movement of unmarried Asian expatriates.
"We will also look at the legislation in neighboring countries and at
the practical measures they took to tackle the issue," Al A'ali said.