More than 400 expatriates were deported last month following the latest round of inspections aimed at stamping out labour violations across Bahrain.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), 3,449 inspection visits were conducted across the kingdom’s four governorates in July, alongside 184 joint inspection campaigns.
The operations led to the arrest of 114 irregular workers and the deportation of 420 illegal expatriates.
The majority of the joint campaigns, 85, were carried out in the Capital Governorate, followed by Muharraq Governorate with 44, the Northern Governorate with 30 and the Southern Governorate with 25.
The inspections were held in co-ordination with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence, the police directorates of the respective governorates and the Civil Defence.
Also involved were the Industry and Commerce Ministry, Social Insurance Organisation, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the Electricity and Water Authority and the National Health Regulatory Authority.
In a statement, the LMRA said it would continue to co-ordinate with government agencies to intensify inspection campaigns across all governorates and tackle violations and practices that undermine the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or pose risks to the kingdom’s economic and social security.
Since January 2024, a total of 137,959 inspection visits and 2,464 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in 4,160 detentions and the deportation of 14,120 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.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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