MPs want a special national administrative committee formed to examine the qualifications of all foreigners to make sure they are genuine before issuing work permits.
MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh yesterday submitted a proposal to establish the body at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
It would be responsible for examining and auditing academic qualifications of foreigners seeking positions in both the public and private sectors to prevent dodgy expats from taking up posts qualified Bahrainis could be securing.
“The increasing cases of forgery of qualifications by some foreign workers with the aim of working in the kingdom, which we are constantly informed about in the Press, highlights the need to tighten procedures,” he claimed.
Mr Al Mahfoodh said he considered the proposal to be an ‘important proactive step’ to ensure the quality and efficiency of services provided in various sectors.
Verifying the validity of academic qualifications provided by foreign workers would avoid the entry of people holding forged qualifications that may negatively affect the quality of professional performance and endanger people’s lives, he added.
He believes this step is a guarantee for both citizens and employers alike, as it contributes to protecting the Bahraini labour market, in addition to enhancing the quality of services provided. Mr Al Mahfoodh is convinced that the LMRA, as the body responsible for issuing work permits, needed to increase its oversight of academic qualifications and a committee would help them achieve that objective.
“The proposal comes within the framework of the legislative authority’s keenness to ensure the provision of safe and high-quality services in sensitive specialties that directly affect the lives of citizens,” added Mr Al Mahfoodh.
“The entry of unqualified persons, or holders of forged qualifications into these fields, may lead to significant damage, not to mention depriving qualified citizens of a job opportunity.
“The proposed administrative committee will examine all documents and papers related to foreign workers to verify their authenticity, and write a detailed report that will contribute to reducing the professional risks associated with document forgery.”
The proposal could be scheduled for debate as early as tomorrow’s weekly session, depending on the readiness of review by the services committee.
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