NPRA Undersecretary reveals an increase in the number of residents in Bahrain

Manama, Jan. 15(BNA): With reference to a news report published in Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper and Gulf Daily News on Sunday (January 13) entitled "Rising cost of living 'forcing expats to send families home", the Interior Ministry Undersecretary of Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has asserted that NPRA statistics show an annual rise in the number of residents from 2014 to 2018. The last two years, 2017 and 2018, registered a growth by 3%. He said that this affirms the attractions Bahrain offers to expatriates, highlighting that the Indian community represents the highest percentage of expats among other communities. He also revealed that the residence applications had been facing ongoing increase because of the attractive investment and business environment of Bahrain, in addition to its tolerance and cultural and religious pluralism. He appreciated all efforts that contribute to the development of the nation, through fulfilling duties within the law and regulations of the Kingdom, in order to protect rights and carry responsibilities. He mentioned some international reports that ranked Bahrain in leading positions in the Middle East and North Africa as the best destination for migrant workers, hailing the living and other privileges provided by Bahrain.