Bahrain’s Tier 1 ranking for the ninth consecutive year in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report has drawn widespread acclaim.
Ministers and top officials said that the ranking reflects the progress achieved by the kingdom in developing an integrated framework to combat trafficking in persons in line with international standards and best practices.
Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) CEO and National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons chairman Nibras Talib highlighted that the kingdom’s continued Tier 1 ranking reflects its integrated and effective national framework for combating trafficking in persons, based on advanced legislative and regulatory frameworks, mechanisms for prevention, protection and redress, and effective national and international partnerships.
These efforts help sustain the achievements made and further develop the national response to the various forms of this crime.
He noted that, through the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and the government entities represented on it, the kingdom continues to build on its achievements and develop mechanisms, policies, plans and initiatives to keep pace with economic and social changes and the challenges associated with trafficking in persons as a transnational crime, particularly those linked to countries of origin.
He added that, over the past years, Bahrain has worked to develop an integrated framework to improve the working environment and safeguard the rights of all parties.
This framework is based on the continuous review and development of legislation, regulations and procedures to keep pace with changes in the labour market and developments related to trafficking in persons.
At the legislative and legal level, he noted that Bahrain has continued to align its laws and regulations with the international conventions and treaties it has joined, contributing to the development of legislation governing the labour market.
Protection has also been strengthened through the Expat Protection Centre, which provides preventive, advisory and legal services and shelter for victims and potential victims.
He also highlighted the National Referral Mechanism, which provides an integrated framework for co-ordinating national efforts, identifying victims from the moment the authorities become aware of a crime, and providing the necessary assistance and protection through to their reintegration or voluntary return, in accordance with national and international standards.
The LMRA CEO explained that Bahrain’s labour market framework also relies on proactive monitoring tools to identify cases of exploitation in the workplace, alongside mechanisms to protect workers’ wages and verify that they are paid regularly through approved financial and banking institutions.
Labour and Legal Affairs Minister and LMRA board of directors chairman Yousif Khalaf said Bahrain’s retention of Tier 1 status for the ninth consecutive year reflects its sustained efforts to combat human trafficking.
Mr Khalaf said Bahrain continues to develop legislation and policies in line with international standards, strengthen workplace protections, and safeguard the rights of employers and workers.
Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science Director-General Major-General Abdulaziz Mayouf Al Rumaihi said Bahrain’s retention of Tier 1 status reflects the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He expressed appreciation to Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Chief of Police Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan for their continued support and efforts to strengthen security operations.
&uuid=(email))