More than 300 expatriates were deported from the kingdom last month as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at stamping out labour violations.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), a total of 3,879 inspection visits were held, alongside 124 joint campaigns, resulting in the detention of 129 irregular workers and the deportation of 324 illegal expats.
Most of the joint inspections (48) were carried out in the Capital Governorate, followed by the Northern Governorate (26), with Muharraq and the Southern Governorates recording 25 each.
Throughout May, several agencies co-ordinated with the LMRA in these joint inspections, including the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science, General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing, the General Directorate of Traffic and the respective governorate’s Police Directorates.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry, Social Insurance Organisation and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority were also involved in inspections.
Since January 2024, a total of 129,532 inspection visits and 2,128 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in 3,967 detentions and the deportation of 13,444 irregular workers.
Inspections were temporarily halted for about two months following the Iranian attacks on the kingdom, which began on February 28.
The LMRA affirmed that it will continue to intensify inspection campaigns across the nation in co-ordination with the relevant entities. It also reiterated its commitment to address any violations or practices that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or harm the economic and social security of the country.
Last year, the authority conducted 54,600 inspections, in addition to 795 joint campaigns, resulting in the identification of 860 irregular workers and the deportation of 4,776 expats.
The highest number of inspections – 8,537 – occurred in October, while the peak in deportations – 470 – was recorded in June.
Citizens and residents are being urged to support the efforts of the government agencies in addressing illegal labour practices by reporting violations via the electronic form on the LMRA website, www.lmra.gov.bh, by calling the authority’s call centre on 17506055 or via the government’s suggestions and complaints system Tawasul.
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