EXPATRIATE workers could be forced to get their certifications validated by local authorities before being issued work permits.
MPs unanimously approved government-drafted amendments, based on a parliamentary proposal, to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law during their weekly session yesterday.
The vote was taken despite the Cabinet calling for a rethink, asserting that the move would create unnecessary obstacles for investors.
The National Committee for Educational Credentials backed the move, but added that the request for background checks should be submitted by the employer.
The Bahrain Chamber said companies had the right to choose employees, whether their certificate matched the job profile or not.
During the session, MP Bassem Al Malki said Bahrainis are forced to get their certifications approved by relevant authorities just to get considered for job opportunities despite mostly graduating from local universities and colleges.
“The current employment system is catastrophic as it sees expats recruited in educational, health and engineering sectors without a check of their certifications,” he said.
MP Ebrahim Al Nefaei said expats were being given jobs whether they have valid, fake or tampered certifications – or none.
“We are not against investment opportunities or recruiting expats, but this is more to protect the people who are availing of services,” he said.
MP Ammar Qambar said the government kept saying that in rare specialisations expats are employed based on experience rather than credentials.
“We are not against such recruitment if necessary documentation is provided before work permits are issued,” he added.
“Documentation should be presented and validated before any expat is recruited.”
MPs voted in favour of amendments to the 1976 Penal Code that would see medical personnel facing action for failing to report suspicious deaths or serious injuries to the relevant authorities.
They could be jailed for no less than a year or fined between BD200 and BD1,000, or both. Currently, they are fined up to BD10.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry and the National Institute for Human Rights have warned against the move, saying that the punishments were ‘unreasonable’.
MPs also voted unanimously in favour of amendments to the 1977 Buildings Law that would require developers to present a soil check report before being granted construction permits.
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry has backed the move, with minister Essam Khalaf saying that the whole law would see a revamp as it was more than 40 years old.
“We already oblige developers to present us with such certification under general requirements but having it in law would mean it becomes compulsory and we want it pushed ahead now rather than wait for months as we present our comprehensive amendments to the 1977 legislation.”
All three legislations have been referred to the Shura Council for review.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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