The government has been urged to provide employers with advance warnings and a grace period to address labour violations before imposing penalties such as the suspension of services by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
The proposal, submitted by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk, recommends granting employers a 10‑day correction period following an official warning before the authority blocks their electronic system due to violations.
The initiative has been endorsed by Parliament’s services committee, chaired by MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, which concluded that the measure would support a fair and gradual enforcement mechanism within the labour market.
Mr Bu Onk said the proposal aims to ensure that penalties are applied proportionately while giving businesses a reasonable opportunity to rectify mistakes.
“Some violations occur simply because employers overlook minor administrative matters,” he said.
“Instead of immediately imposing the maximum penalty, there should be a logical sequence of procedures that allows employers to correct the issue within a clear timeframe. This will support business stability while maintaining compliance with labour regulations.”
He added that sudden system closures can cause serious operational and financial disruption, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The LMRA has indicated that it supports the principle behind the proposal, noting that several notification mechanisms are already in place to help employers monitor their compliance.
LMRA chief executive Nibras Talib said the authority is committed to providing the best services for employers and ensuring that they remain informed about their obligations.
“Employers currently receive electronic notifications through their online accounts that display indicators related to their establishment’s activity, compliance status, administrative observations, violations, outstanding fees and data updates,” he said.
Mr Talib explained that the system also sends email and SMS alerts regarding work permit expirations up to 180 days in advance, allowing businesses ample time to take the necessary steps.
“As part of ongoing efforts to facilitate procedures and reduce administrative burdens on employers, the authority will work to integrate these services with enhanced electronic notifications that include legally prescribed deadlines,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Chamber expressed support for the proposal in principle, saying it would strengthen transparency and allow businesses to correct violations before facing punitive action.
However, the chamber recommended extending the proposed correction period from 10 days to 30 days, arguing that a longer timeframe would give companies a more realistic opportunity to resolve issues without disrupting operations.
The proposal will be debated and voted on during Parliament session on Tuesday.
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