Bahrain: Crackdown on Unlicensed Donation Collectors
The government is implementing a crackdown on unlicensed donation collectors at mosques. Donation collectors who visit mosques to fundraise, need to have a permit for doing so, according to Labour Ministry sources.
The measure is being taken to protect legitimate charity organisations and curb illegal fundraisers. The ministry also urged any NGO wanting to send money abroad need to obtain a permit as well.
The ministry urged all individuals who are raising funds or receiving donations for religious purposes – such as alms-giving, mosque construction, persons in their capacity as clerics etc – to report and apply for a licence as per the formula put at their disposal. The Directorate of Religious Affairs has been assigned to receive applications and issue licences by filling in the application form.
The ministry underscored the importance of regulating fundraisers, stressing its role in enforcing transparency in collecting funds and donations, conserving charities, and ensuring raised funds are not misused for illegal ends.
