Authorities continue to crack down on labour violations, with 1,198 inspection campaigns and visits being held from June 9 to 22.
During the fortnight, 90 violations and irregular workers were identified and 153 irregular workers were deported as part of the campaign being conducted by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in co-operation with relevant government entities.
In a statement yesterday, the authority stated that 1,176 visits were carried out in various commercial establishments across all the four governorates.
Additionally, 22 joint inspection campaigns were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs, the Sentence Enforcement Directorate, the governorates’ police directorates, the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
Two of these campaigns were held in the Muharraq Governorate, 14 in the Capital Governorate, two in the Northern Governorate and four in the Southern Governorate.
The LMRA has affirmed its dedication to continue its joint co-ordination efforts with other government agencies in order to intensify inspections and address any violations or practices that harm the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or the economic and social security of the kingdom.
So far this year, 20,718 inspections and 293 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in the registration of 1,585 violations and deportation of 2,677 irregular workers.
Bahrain set up stringent regulations to prevent the misuse of tourist visas and to ensure those seeking employment arrive with proper work permits issued by their employers.
In February, new rules were announced where a visit visa could not be converted into a work or dependent visa without a sponsor.
However, visit visas with a sponsor can be transferred to a work or dependent visa for a revised fee of BD250, instead of the previous BD60, only if it is for the same sponsor.
The new measures aimed to provide job opportunities for citizens, reduce the unemployment rate and support Bahrainis as the first choice in employment in support of the National Labour Market Strategy.
The LMRA has renewed its calls on people to report illegal labour practices via an electronic form on the authority’s website, www.lmra.gov.bh, or by contacting its call centre on 17506055 or getting in touch via the national suggestions and complaints system (Tawasul).
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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