AN MP has demanded the scrapping of flexi work permits that allow expats to be self-employed, claiming the scheme encouraged crime and prostitution.
MP Ahmed Qarrata also argued during parliament’s weekly session yesterday that it breached Bahrain’s employment rules and was allowing expatriates to steal business from Bahrainis.
The initiative was launched by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) last July in a bid to tackle the black market in illegal work visas.
It diverts money into government coffers that would otherwise go into the pockets of unscrupulous Bahrainis who sell work visas to desperate expats.
However, Mr Qarrata argued that it was allowing expat criminals to flourish.
“Bahrainis work in supermarkets for BD120, while expatriates get a general flexi permit to do what they want for just paying BD1,169 yearly to the LMRA,” said Mr Qarrata.
“They are in massive numbers in Bangali Gali, in Manama, and Exhibition Avenue in Hoora.
“They operate massive business rackets there, besides other underground operations – whether serious crimes or prostitution.
“Those expatriates spread illnesses and sickness in what they offer or sell and should be stopped.
“They have their passports in their own hands and can do whatever they want – even fleeing the country.”
However, his claims were refuted by Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan who said it had a positive effect.
“There are expatriates who have been forced into breaking the law by their employers,” he said.
“The flexi permit is a solution, not a complete solution, among many other options we are looking into.
“It is on trial, but statistics show it is serving its purpose.”
He also pointed out it was illegal for employers to retain the passports of staff.
“I didn’t get a complaint from any Bahraini that it (the flexi permit programme) is affecting their business or employment,” added the minister.
“We are speaking about lowly jobs that Bahrainis don’t want to do.”
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