More than 250 expats were deported last month as part of the ongoing nationwide campaign against undocumented workers.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), in its monthly statistics for June released yesterday, revealed that a total of 4,978 inspection visits were carried out on various shops in all four governorates, in addition to 152 joint inspection campaigns.
This included 65 campaigns in the Capital Governorate, 37 in the Muharraq Governorate, 32 in the Southern Governorate and 18 in the Northern Governorate.
The intensified campaigns resulted in the detention of 79 violating and irregular workers, and the deportation of 256 expats as part of continuous efforts to maintain a fair, stable and competitive labour market.
Several government agencies co-ordinated with the LMRA in these joint inspections, including the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science, and each governorate’s Police Directorate, the Industry and Commerce Ministry, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation.
“The authority affirmed the continuation of co-ordination with government agencies to intensify inspection campaigns in all governorates and address any violations or practices that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or harm the kingdom’s economic and social security,” said an LMRA statement.
Since January 2024, a total of 134,510 inspection visits and 2,280 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in 4,046 detentions and the deportation of 13,700 irregular workers.
Inspections were temporarily halted for about two months following the Iranian attacks, which began on February 28.
Last year, the authority carried out 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 government agencies’ efforts in addressing illegal labour practices by reporting violations via 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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