A NEW punishment system for expat work permit violations could be introduced in Bahrain, if MPs have their way.
Five members of Parliament, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Bassema Al Mubarak, are proposing that the punishment ranges from BD100 to BD1,000 depending on the business and offence rather than the current flat BD1,000 per violation.
The amendment to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law also involves issuing warnings, verbal and written, before any fine is imposed.
The proposal has been forwarded by Parliament Speaker to the services committee for review.
“The current fines don’t differentiate between a small, medium or large business as the punishment is the same at BD1,000,” said Ms Al Mubarak.
“Most of those affected by the fines, which are hefty, are small and medium businesses that are trying to stand on their feet,” she added.
“It is easy for large businesses to violate as much as they want because BD1,000 per offence doesn’t harm their operational costs or profits.
“We are not saying that large businesses are violating more because they can afford breaching the law; what we are trying to showcase here is a comparative analysis of how the flat BD1,000 fine is unfair and lacks flexibility.”
Ms Al Mubarak explained that most of the violations are occurring in the construction sector, which has the highest number of expat workers.
“When there are large numbers, sometimes an employer may miss the renewal date or pay late awaiting repayment or owed sums of money,” she said.
“This is something that mostly happens in the construction sector, which is booming, as the country is witnessing unprecedented urban development.
“Under our proposal, we want warnings to be issued, start with lower fines gradually increasing to a maximum of BD1,000, and if necessary more punishments whenever other crimes are associated.”
The GDN reported last month that a nationwide clamp on irregular expatriate workers across the country is continuing as labour inspectors conducted campaigns and visits across the four governorates and identified violators.
Close to 2,500 illegal expats have been deported so far this year as authorities tighten the noose on foreign workers without proper work permits.
Bahrain has introduced stringent regulations to prevent the misuse of tourist visas and ensure those seeking employment arrive on proper work permits issued by their companies.
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