Manama, The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning have initiated the process of compiling housing service applications for individuals included in the royal pardon and beneficiaries of alternative penalties. This came following the royal pardon granted to several inmates, and with the approval of the Cabinet, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the aim of ensuring their access to various housing services in line with the applicable regulations and laws. The General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing at the Ministry of Interior confirmed that it is in the process of providing the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning with a list of those covered by the royal pardon and the beneficiaries of alternative penalties. This will facilitate the necessary steps to assess their eligibility based on the established criteria, granting them the right to housing services where applicable. Addition ally, mechanisms have been developed to accommodate various categories, ensuring that the largest possible number of individuals benefit from housing services. The directorate announced that all required procedures for beneficiaries have been completed, and non-objection certificates have been issued, enabling them to take advantage of the allocated services. These efforts aligns with ongoing partnerships with relevant sectors, aimed at implementing humanitarian programmes and initiatives that benefit the nation and its citizens. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning confirmed that, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, a mechanism has been established to evaluate housing applications for those benefiting from the royal pardon and alternative penalties. This will ensure continued compliance with the eligibility criteria for housing services in accordance with the regulations governing the housing sector, with an exemption from the legal timeframe for adjusting their application status. The min istry added that the mechanism allows for modifications by considering only the years of eligible application. Housing allowances will be dispensed in retrospect from the date of the royal pardon. The ministry also emphasised the consideration of humanitarian cases concerning the families of the pardoned individuals, reaffirming its commitment to providing more opportunities for reintegration into society. This would allow them to fulfil their social responsibilities and contribute to the kingdom's comprehensive development process. Source: Bahrain News Agency