Bahrain to Rename Prisons as Reform and Rehabilitation Centres

Manama: The Cabinet has referred a draft law to the House of Representatives, proposing to rename prisons as ‘Reform and Rehabilitation Centres’ as part of amendments to the Penal Code. The move aims to address concerns raised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) regarding forced labour and align Bahrain's laws with the Forced Labour Convention (No. 105).

The draft law, submitted with Decree No. (68) of 2025, will update terminology throughout the Penal Code, replacing ‘prison’ with ‘Reform and Rehabilitation Centre’. This change reflects a shift in focus towards rehabilitation and reintegrating individuals into society.

The proposed amendments will also require individuals sentenced to custodial penalties to participate in rehabilitation and training programmes at these centres. Bahrain acceded to the Forced Labour Convention in 1998 and is now seeking to ensure its laws are consistent with international standards.