Both citizens and residents of Bahrain are urging the authorities to clamp down on robbery and other criminal activities allegedly carried out by some nationals of African countries after many videos showing their frightening behaviour went viral on all social media platforms.
Many videos showing nationals of African countries going berserk across various streets have been causing panic among the public, though the Ministry of Interior hasn’t confirmed that these videos have originated from the Kingdom.
However, there were media reports about robbery bids, unruly behaviour and beggary by the nationals of African countries. Among them was a horrible attack on a taxi driver, who had a narrow escape at the hands of robbers.
A Bahrain resident said the authorities must take immediate action to arrest the fears about possible attacks by these gangs.
“There is panic among the public, whether a threat exists or not. Strict action from the part of authorities will only address the issue. Bahrain Police have always successfully dealt with such social security threats and we are confident that this will also be handled well if at all such a threat exists,” he said.
Another Bahrain resident said such incidents are adversely affecting the image of many African nationals, who have been residing in the Kingdom, strictly adhering to the laws of the land.
“African expatriates have a long history in the Kingdom and they are a major contributor. I have many Kenyan and Ethiopian friends. But these recent incidents are tarnishing their image too in the country, which is not at all a good thing.”
It was earlier reported about the entry of African nationals into the Kingdom in search of better opportunities and jobs. It is learnt that on the pretext of providing jobs in the Kingdom hundreds of youths from West African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon have been duped by the fraudsters by handing over three-month multiple entry visit visas after taking amounts ranging between BD1,200 and BD1,500.
During the past few weeks, the Kingdom’s authorities have stepped up measures to tackle the functioning of human trafficking chains who bring in jobseekers in the guise of tourists. The Kingdom now provides tourist visas, which can be obtained online by presenting a bank statement with a minimum account balance of BD300.
The visitor should also present return tickets as well as documents of hotel booking. And people visiting their family members must present a copy of the resident’s CPR along with copies of power/water bills.
