A total of 116 expats have been deported from Bahrain following the latest rounds of inspections and joint campaigns aimed at curbing illegal labour practices.
According to a Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) statement yesterday, 1,130 inspection visits were held from April 13 to 19, alongside 11 joint campaigns.
These led to the identification of 17 irregular workers and the deportation of 116 labour residency rules violators.
The most recent joint inspections were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, Coast Guard, Health Ministry, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and the Supreme Council for Environment.
Most of the efforts were focused on the Capital Governorate with five joint inspections, followed by the Northern Governorate (three), Muharraq Governorate (two) and Southern Governorate (one).
Since January 2024, a total of 71,188 inspections and 1,032 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,072 violations and the deportation of 8,381 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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