More than 3,000 residency-related violations have been uncovered by the authorities since the beginning of last year, as the result of a campaign aimed at stamping out such infringements.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), 950 inspection visits were held across the four governorates from March 16 to 22, alongside seven joint campaigns, leading to the identification of 16 irregular workers and the deportation of 52 expats.
The joint campaigns were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the respective governorate’s Police Directorates, the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Southern Municipality.
This time, they were mostly focused on the Southern Governorate with four, with the Muharraq Governorate, Capital Governorate and Northern Governorate each having one joint campaign.
Since January 2024, a total of 67,692 inspections and 996 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,004 violations and the deportation of 8,121 irregular workers.
The LMRA affirmed that it would continue to intensify the inspection campaigns across Bahrain, to address any practices that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or harm economic and social security.
People are being urged to report illegal labour practices and violations via its website, www.lmra.gov.bh, by calling 17506055 or via the government’s suggestions and complaints system, Tawasul.
In recent years, Bahrain has enforced tough new regulations to prevent the misuse of tourist visas and to ensure those seeking employment arrive with proper work permits issued by their employers.
These measures also aim to provide job opportunities for Bahrainis and reduce unemployment by supporting citizens as the first choice for employers.
LMRA chief executive Nibras Talib earlier told MPs that the introduction of the new rules has had a huge impact, with the incidence of tourist or visit visas being converted into work permits dropping by more than 87 per cent.
Under the new rules, a visit visa can no longer be converted into a work or dependent visa without a sponsor.
However, visit visas with a sponsor can be transferred to a work or dependent visa for a revised fee of BD250, instead of the previous BD60, only if it is for the same sponsor.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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