Applications are now open for a new award that recognises the best practices in the private sector for protecting the rights of employees and enhancing the work environment.
The National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons, in co-ordination with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), yesterday announced that nominations are open for the ‘Private Sector Excellence Award for Combating Trafficking in Persons’ until July 20.
The award aims to foster a culture of excellence and share the best practices in workers’ protection and combating trafficking in persons. It also aims to encourage private sector establishments to adopt sustainable initiatives that contribute to enhancing the work environment, safeguarding employees’ rights and promoting a culture of responsible institutional compliance.
Applicants will undergo a series of evaluations to verify that participating establishments meet all eligibility requirements and comply with existing legislation including the Wage Protection System (WPS).
All private sector employers are required to join the WPS since July 2019, under Ministerial Resolution No 68 of 2019. It allows authorities to electronically monitor compliance through approved banks and payment service providers. Employers have to mandatorily transfer salaries to their staff’s bank accounts, and if there is any issue regarding delays the ministries are alerted.
“This award is part of Bahrain’s sustained efforts to embed a culture of combating trafficking in persons across society and the private sector,” said LMRA chief executive officer Nibras Talib.
“The initiative represents a step towards translating these national efforts into sustainable practices that reflect the private sector’s commitment to developing innovative mechanisms that safeguard the rights of all parties, provide a safe working environment, and highlight the best practices.”
The award has three categories: Best Practice Award for Large Enterprises, Best Practice Award for Medium-sized Enterprises and Best Practice Award for Small Enterprises.
Those interested should fill out a self-assessment form, attach supporting documents and submit their applications before the deadline.
Applications that meet the eligibility requirements will undergo a technical evaluation conducted by a specialised assessment team, based on the self-assessment form and the award’s accredited criteria, including compliance, impact, innovation and sustainability.
The verification process by the LMRA will also ensure that applicants are not subject to serious violations or legal proceedings that would prevent their participation in the award.
Following the completion of the technical assessment, the evaluation results will be submitted to the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons, which will review the initiatives and endorse the winners in each category.
The winners will be announced and honoured during the Combating Trafficking in Persons Forum coinciding with the celebration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.
For more information and inquiries, visit the LMRA’s website www.lmra.gov.bh.
Bahrain has maintained its top ranking in combating human trafficking for the eighth consecutive year, and is placed in the Tier 1 status – the only GCC country recognised as being fully compliant with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.
The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2025 report highlighted Bahrain’s anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts with an increase in the number of convictions against traffickers.
Bahrain is the only Gulf country with the Tier 1 status, with five others placed in Tier 2.
The kingdom has constantly moved up in the annual assessment, from being in Tier 3 in 2011 to maintaining a Tier 1 rating since 2018.
The report categorises countries into four sections as mandated by the TVPA, which is the American law against human trafficking.
Tier 1 nations fully meet TVPA standards, while Tier 2 and Tier 2 Watchlist nations do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, though they are making significant efforts to do so.
Countries not complying with the minimum standards are placed in Tier 3 and subjected to certain US sanctions.
The annual report stated that the Interior Ministry investigated 44 cases involving 101 alleged traffickers – 12 for sex trafficking and 32 for labour trafficking – compared with 54 investigations in the previous reporting period.
The 25th edition of the annual report featured narratives on 188 countries and territories, and covers the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
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