More than 70,000 inspection campaigns aimed at cracking down on labour violations in the kingdom have been held since the beginning of last year.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), 1,301 inspections were carried out from April 6 to 12, alongside 12 joint campaigns, which led to the identification of 25 violations and the deportation of 128 irregular workers.
The most recent round of joint campaigns were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, the Supreme Council for Environment, and the ministries of Health and Industry and Commerce.
Majority of the efforts were focused in the Capital Governorate with eight joint-inspections, followed by the Southern Governorate (two), and one each in the Northern and Muharraq governorates.
Since January 2024, a total of 70,058 inspections and 1,021 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,055 violations and the deportation of 8,265 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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