Manama: Cheques with insufficient funds can now be enforced through the “Open Execution File Using Executive Document” service on the Bahrain National Portal, bahrain.bh, as announced by Nayef Khalifa Al Thawadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Courts Affairs and Enforcements at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments. This new process, effective from Tuesday, February 3, is in collaboration with the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Ministerial Decision (6) of 2026 has been issued to regulate the enforcement of cheques returned for lack of funds. This decision treats such cheques as enforceable documents under the amendments to the Commercial Law, thus eliminating the need for a court case. A 2% enforcement fee on the cheque amount is required, with a maximum cap of BD 1,000, which is automatically collected when the enforcement request is initiated.
Al Thawadi further detailed the necessary documents for an enforcement request, which include a power of attorney if applicable, a notice to the drawer to pay, a bank statement confirming insufficient funds, a clear copy of the cheque from both sides, and the payment of the required fee. Requests lacking the necessary documents will be rejected and the fee will not be refunded.
This regulation aims to enhance the efficiency of enforcing bounced cheques, bolster confidence in cheques as a payment method, safeguard creditors’ financial rights, and support stability in commercial and civil transactions.