BAHRAINI employers showed a strong commitment to labour rules and regulations with the compliance level reaching 94.7 per cent last year, according to a government labour watchdog.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) also revealed that the total number of inspection campaigns and visits increased by 72.17pc during the past year, reaching 47,023, which is a record high compared to previous years.
In addition, the number of workers deported increased by 202.8pc, to reach 5,477, while 4,232 illegal workers were identified.
The latest statistics were contained in a LMRA statement issued yesterday.
“The authority is working to intensify its efforts to control and develop the labour market to maintain its basic components of flexibility, justice, competitiveness and raise the level of productivity, thus contributing to ensuring the economic growth of the kingdom and enhancing economic competitiveness,” said LMRA chief executive Nibras Taleb.
“The figures underline the success of proactive measures to regulate and develop the kingdom’s labour market, fostering a stable, competitive and productive environment for all,” he added.
The GDN previously reported that 916 expats were deported between January and September 2022, and another 5,300 were sent back to their home countries between October and December the same year, taking the total to 6,216.
This takes the total number of deportees to 11,693 in the past two years.
The GDN reported yesterday that 938 foreign workers were deported in the past two months, according to statistics compiled by the newspaper, based on LMRA information released between November 12 and January 13, with the inspection drives also resulting in the detention of 605 irregular workers.
“LMRA significantly amplified its inspection efforts in 2023, conducting 47,023 inspection visits and campaigns,” said the statement yesterday.
“This dedication yielded numerous positive outcomes such as fair and equitable market with robust enforcement in place to ensure a level playing field for all businesses, protecting healthy competition and safeguarding the rights of work parties.”
LMRA’s Enforcement and Protection deputy chief executive Noora Mubarak stressed the keenness to continue efforts to regulate the labour market, noting that the authority carried out 46,242 inspection visits last year, an increase of 71.1pc compared to 2022, which amounted to only 27,019 visits, while the number of joint inspection campaigns jumped from 292 joint campaigns in 2022 to 781 joint campaigns in 2023, an increase of 167.5pc.
Mr Talib thanked the government agencies taking part in the campaigns, such as the Interior Ministry’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence, the Sentence Enforcement Directorate and the Police Directorates, Labour Ministry and the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
“Building on this momentum, the LMRA remains committed to its mission of fostering a thriving and responsible labour market,” he added.
“By prioritising compliance, collaboration and continuous improvement, Bahrain can unlock its full potential as a hub for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”
Violations related to the labour market and illegal employment can be reported by filling out an electronic form on www.lmra.bh or by calling 17506055 or via the government’s Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul).
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