CIVIL society members, MPs and government officials snubbed a seminar discussing naturalisation in Bahrain yesterday.

The event, organised by Bahrain Society for Sociologists, was meant to allow non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and public sector representatives to debate the issue and its impact on the country.

But only one MP, two municipal councillors and around 10 civil society representatives showed up for the one-day event at Al Oruba Club, Juffair.

Among those invited were MPs from four of the country's political blocs, Shura Council members, Interior Ministry officials and representatives from the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence.

Absence

Also invited were the Labour, Social Development, Health, Education and Housing ministries as well as Civil Defence which all failed to take part.

Society president Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf said that despite the apparent snub by many participants, officials decided to go ahead with the event.

"Though there is an absence of government representatives and some societies, I am certain we all can discuss the issue in a civilised manner, respecting each other's opinions," he said at opening of the event.

It was held under the title 'Naturalisation ... A View Point On Its Effects'.

Mr Khalaf stressed that the discussions were not meant to outline recommendations or come up with specific conclusions.

"We mean to have a national discussion session, keeping aside our personal views on the matter and sharing different aspects of the issue," he said.

"We want to discuss what we view it as and why it is happening.

"Also, we want to discuss how it is affecting the country," he said.

"Our meeting is to share views and opinions and open a broader horizon on the subject, not to raise disputes or make conclusions," Mr Khalaf stressed.

Participants later debated the economic, social and psychological effects of naturalisation.

basma@gdn.com.bh