Creditors pursuing enforcement proceedings in Bahrain may benefit from stronger recovery measures following recent amendments to the Civil and Commercial Execution Law.
Under the amendments, travel bans may now remain in force for up to three years—an increase from the previous maximum of one year—provided the circumstances justifying the ban continue to exist.
The changes strengthen the enforcement tools available to creditors while preserving the procedural safeguards available to debtors.
Key Changes
Extended Duration of Travel Bans
Recent amendments to Article 40 of the Civil and Commercial Execution Law provide that:
- The Execution Judge may impose and renew a travel ban for periods of up to three months at a time.
- The maximum cumulative duration of a travel ban has been extended from 12 months to 3 years
- No additional fees apply for renewal provided the grounds for the travel ban continue to exist.
Conditions for Issuing a Travel Ban
The conditions for obtaining a travel ban remain unchanged. A travel ban may be ordered where:
- There is a risk that the judgment debtor may leave Bahrain to evade enforcement.
- The debtor’s apparent assets are insufficient to satisfy the debt.
- The creditor submits an application to the Execution Court requesting the measure.
The purpose of the travel ban remains to enable the Execution Court to investigate whether the debtor possesses assets against which enforcement may be pursued.
Appeal Rights
The amendments do not affect the procedural safeguards available to debtors.
Accordingly:
- A debtor may challenge a travel ban order, or the refusal to issue one, before the Execution Judge within seven days of notification or becoming aware of the order.
- The Execution Judge’s decision may be appealed within seven days.
Practical Implications
The amendments are likely to make travel bans a more effective enforcement tool, particularly where asset investigations take time or there is a genuine risk that a judgment debtor may leave Bahrain before enforcement can be completed.
For creditors, the changes provide greater flexibility when pursuing recovery strategies and may strengthen their position during enforcement proceedings. For debtors, they highlight the importance of engaging with enforcement proceedings, as travel restrictions may now remain in place for a significantly longer period where the statutory conditions continue to be met.
How ASAR Can Help
ASAR regularly advises clients on judgment enforcement, asset recovery, interim measures and execution proceedings before the Bahraini courts.
Our team can assist with:
- Obtaining and enforcing judgments and arbitral awards.
- Applying for travel bans and other protective enforcement measures.
- Advising creditors and debtors on execution proceedings and enforcement risks.
- Developing cross-border enforcement strategies involving Bahraini and foreign judgments.
For further information on these amendments and their implications, please contact ASAR Bahrain at asarbh@asarlegal.com.
Legal Reference
Law No. (31) of 2026 amending certain provisions of the Civil and Commercial Execution Law issued by Decree-Law No. (22) of 2021.
