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A total of 100 expats were deported from the kingdom in the past week as part of a major campaign aimed at cracking down on illegal labour practices.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), a total of 1,236 inspection visits as well as 12 joint campaigns were held from April 20 to 26.
These efforts led to the identification of 10 irregular workers and the deportation of 100 violators.
The joint campaigns were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, the Coastguard, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and the Supreme Council for Environment.
Most of the campaigns were centred on the Capital Governorate with eight inspections, followed by the Muharraq Governorate (two) and Northern and Southern Governorates (one each).
Since January 2024, a total of 72,424 inspections and 1,044 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,082 violations and the deportation of 8,481 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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