Right to Contact Your Embassy
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
If you are a foreign national arrested or detained in Bahrain, you have the right to contact your country's embassy or consulate:
- Consular notification: Upon request, the authorities must notify your embassy or consulate of your arrest without undue delay.
- Consular access: Your embassy officials have the right to visit you in detention, communicate with you, and arrange legal representation.
- Interpretation: If you do not speak Arabic, you have the right to an interpreter during all proceedings.
- This applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of immigration status.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign national (non-Bahraini) who has been arrested or detained.
- You need consular assistance — legal help, translation, or communication with family abroad.
- You are facing deportation proceedings and need your embassy's support.
What should you do?
- State clearly that you are a foreign citizen and request that your embassy be notified.
- Provide the name and contact details of your embassy or consulate.
- Request an interpreter if you do not speak Arabic.
- Cooperate with the authorities while waiting for consular assistance.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume authorities will notify your embassy automatically — you must request it.
- Do not make statements in Arabic if you do not understand the language — insist on an interpreter.
- Do not sign documents in Arabic without understanding the content.
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