BAHRAIN (Kashmir English): The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has issued a kind of cautionary advisory for Pakistani nationals heading to Bahrain, with officials pointing out that strict legal consequences will be imposed if someone is found carrying narcotics or even poppy seeds.
This warning comes at a moment when authorities are emphasizing tighter enforcement of drug-related regulations in the Gulf state. In the advisory, the bureau asked passengers travelling overseas, particularly those going to Bahrain for work, to simply make sure they comply fully with the local drug control laws there.
It also added that not knowing the local rules won’t be accepted as some sort of defence, and that it could lead to arrest, prosecution, and also a possible setback in employment prospects.
The statement underlined that Bahrain applies its anti-narcotics framework firmly, under Royal Decree No. 4 of 1973, which prohibits cultivation, import, export, and possession of opium, its derivatives, plus related substances too.
Travellers were told to check their luggage carefully before departure, because even poppy seeds count as prohibited items, and they are treated as a punishable offence under Bahraini law.
The bureau also cautioned that a small mistake, or even ignorance of these restrictions, can result in immediate detention, court proceedings, and longer-term limits on jobs while in Bahrain.
It further advised overseas Pakistanis and other travellers to learn all relevant laws ahead of time and to make sure they do not take anything that could breach Bahraini regulations.
Officials also mentioned that Bahrain Customs has put out a comprehensive list of banned and restricted items on its official platform, urging travellers to use verified sources instead of rumours for
