Prostitution in Bahrain is illegal [1] [2] but it has gained a reputation in the Middle East as major destination for sex tourism. The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights reported in that there were more than 13, prostitutes in the country and that the number was rising. Sex trafficking is a problem in the country. Prostitution is common, especially in Manama. Many of the customers are Saudis who drive to Bahrain where the laws are far less strict than in their homeland, especially where sex and alcohol are concerned.
In , Manama was placed at number 8 in the top 10 "sin cities" of the world by AskMen magazine. The proposal was not adopted. Prostitution and related activities are prohibited by the Bahrain Criminal Code: [15]. The Ministry of Interior Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Capital Governante's Municipal Council raid flats or hotels if there are complaints of "unlawful activities" by neighbours.
The courts may issue deportation orders against foreign prostitutes on conviction or if it is in the "public interest". The proposal was rejected as it would be contradictory to human rights. Bahrain's Aliens Act allows immigration officials to deny entry to people convicted of crimes elsewhere, including prostitution. They can also be denied entry for unspecified "health reasons".
Prostitution has been practised in Bahrain for many years. After WW1 , many foreign workers, especially from Persia , Iraq and India , came to the country fuelling demand for prostitution. There were two areas designated for brothels, one in Gulba, west Manama and the other in Muharraq. Both male and female prostitutes worked in the brothels.
In it was decreed prostitutes could only live and work in these areas, any operating outside these areas were to be deported. Most of the female prostitutes were from Persia, Iraq and Oman , and were known as "daughters of the wind" or "daughters of love" The Persians charged the highest prices. The male prostitutes were mainly Omani boys. The two areas declined in the s with the building of hotels and prostitution spreading to the hotels. After independence from Britain in , British citizens could enter the country for 3 months without a visa.
