EXPATS trying to get their hands on new flexible work permits launched on Sunday have been warned to avoid rogue middlemen trying to profit from the scheme.
The permits, which allow foreigners to sponsor themselves and work on a freelance basis, are available directly from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) branch in the Sitra Industrial Area.
However, concerns about “agents” manipulating applicants and duping them out of money have prompted LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi to issue an alert.
“We strongly advise people against using middlemen or clearance agents, who will say this scheme is complicated and claim they can help workers out,” he explained.
“Any kind of exploitation sends out a wrong message, which we don’t want because the flexi permit scheme is simple.”
The LMRA’s Sitra branch has issued more than 100 of the new flexible permits to applicants of different nationalities over the past four days.
They are available to expats aged under 60 who live in Bahrain and do not have legal work permits.
“During a single visit to our Sitra branch, which lasts about an hour, an illegal worker can complete the process and walk out as an employer,” said Mr Al Absi.
“This concept is unique and exists nowhere else in the world.”
The two-year permits cost a total of BD1,169, including a BD200 work visa, BD144 healthcare fee, a BD30 monthly fee and a one-time deposit of BD90 to ensure travel tickets can be refunded in case they wish to return home.
There is also a one-time BD15 discounted fee to be paid by a person whose residency has expired.
The scheme is designed to help stamp out the so-called “free visa” market, in which foreigners buy work permits for as much as BD1,500 and then work illegally for other employers.
It is estimated it could inject as much as BD56 million into government coffers, money that would otherwise have gone into the illegal visa black market.
However, domestic workers and those with travel bans or court cases are not covered by the scheme.
Successful applicants receive a blue identity card featuring their CPR number and photograph, subject to renewal every six months free of charge.
“Once they get the blue card this person will receive a text message to visit the immigration to have a residence permit stamped on their passport,” explained Mr Al Absi.
“This worker can also book an appointment to obtain a smart card, rather than contacting agents to get the job done.”
Those who intend to work in restaurants, hotels and salons need to also submit medical test results along with their application.
However, the process of issuing such permits for the hospitality sector has not yet started.
Anyone interested in the scheme should send their CPR numbers via a text message to 33150150 to check if they are eligible.
They should also be in possession of their passport, which should have a validity of six months.
For more information, contact the LMRA’s flexible work permit call centre on 17103103 or visit www.lmra.bh.
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