Visa exemption for Bahraini citizens: A significant advancement for investment and tourism in Montenegro

Just two months following Prime Minister Milojko Spajić’s official visit to Manama, Montenegro and Bahrain have taken their first significant steps towards strengthened collaboration. This was the primary takeaway from today’s meeting between Prime Minister Spajić and the Bahraini delegation during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In discussions with the Bahraini delegation, led by Minister of Finance and National Economy Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Chairman of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, it was revealed that Bahraini nationals will now enjoy visa-free entry into Montenegro.

This announcement is anticipated to yield beneficial economic outcomes for Montenegro, particularly in light of Bahrain’s considerable interest in tourism and investment within the country. In this context, efforts are already being initiated to create direct flight connections between the two countries.

During Prime Minister Spajić’s November 2024 visit to Bahrain—the first significant diplomatic visit since relations were established—a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). According to this agreement, initiatives aimed at diversifying Montenegro’s labor market and retraining its workforce are set to commence in the first half of 2025.

Training and requalification programs introduced by Tamkeen have profoundly reformulated our labor market. Presently, 95% of Bahrainis employed in the private sector have participated in Tamkeen training, highlighting the substantial benefits for our national economy. We are enthusiastic about sharing our experiences and knowledge with Montenegro. Your visit to Manama has been a pivotal step in fortifying the collaboration between our nations, emphasized Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The meeting also addressed potential avenues for Bahraini investors to penetrate the Montenegrin market, which could bolster the economic relationship between the two countries.

Many companies in Bahrain are actively contemplating investment opportunities and operational expansion. While we approach partnerships with caution, we perceive Montenegro as a trustworthy ally. The visa exemption will undoubtedly foster this relationship,” remarked Minister Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the forthcoming visit of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to Montenegro is poised to significantly propel the achievement of mutual objectives and fortify overall bilateral relations.