BAHRAIN’S authorities are stepping up inspections of small businesses, especially those owned by expatriates, to ensure they adhere to laws in force in the country.
Two companies have been closed administratively for violating regulations, the Industry and Commerce Ministry said in a statement yesterday.
“The firms, which will face legal action, have been found in breach of the provisions of Decree-Law No 27 of 2015 regarding the Commercial Registry,” it said, adding that other businesses were also being constantly monitored.
The ministry urged expatriate businessmen to abide by laws regulating commercial activities – warning them against ‘exploiting facilities’ provided by Bahrain.
“The drive aims to ensure shops and businesses are serious about conducting their commercial activities, which would support promising sectors and contribute to Bahrain’s economic development,” the ministry said.
The campaign is being held in co-ordination with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
The ministry said it was constantly reviewing the requirements for establishing commercial companies in line with recent developments while also taking into account changes in the labour market.
It called on customers who deal with trading companies to verify its status and activities before conducting any transactions.
Members of the public have been urged to report business violations to the inspection directorate through Tawasul, WhatsApp (17111225), or email (inspection@moic.gov.bh).
Inspectors are monitoring the financial statements of businesses and their licences to detect CR violations, the ministry added.
The GDN on Thursday reported that a parliamentary panel had called for imposition of tougher restrictions, including a minimum capital per business, on expatriates wishing to obtain or renew CRs in Bahrain.
Head of the parliamentary probe committee into nationals’ low standards of living, MP Ahmed Al Salloom, said allowing expats to obtain or renew CRs openly without restrictions damaged the local market and citizens’ ability to have successful businesses and sources of living.
Meanwhile, the LMRA also organised five joint inspection campaigns in co-ordination with relevant agencies in all governorates to verify compliance with laws and combat illegal practices affecting the labour market.
Inspectors visited a number of commercial facilities, worksites, as well as health institutions, and registered violations, which have been referred for legal action.
The drive is being held in co-ordination with the National Health Regulatory Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation in the Capital, Northern and Southern governorates.
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