More than 75,500 inspection visits have been conducted by the authorities since the beginning of last year as part of an ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at stomping out labour and residency violations.
In the latest round, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) held 1,324 inspection visits and 13 joint campaigns across the four governorates from May 11 to 17.
This led to the identification of 14 violators and the deportation of 167 illegal expats.
The joint campaigns were held in co-ordination with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture, the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.
Most of the joint campaigns (seven) continued to focus on the Capital Governorate while Muharraq, Northern and Southern governorates saw two joint inspections each.
The LMRA has confirmed that legal action was being taken against the violators.
Since January last year, a total of 75,589 inspection visits and 1,080 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,139 violations and the deportation of 8,876 irregular workers.
The authority affirmed the continuation of joint co-ordination with government agencies to intensify inspection campaigns in all governorates of the kingdom.
It also confirmed it will continue to address any violations or practices that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or harm economic and social security of the kingdom.
People are being urged to report illegal labour practices and violations via the website www.lmra.gov.bh, by calling 17506055 or via the government’s suggestions and complaints system, Tawasul.
According to official estimates, there are about 30,000 undocumented expats in the country, but that number has been reduced due to the ongoing LMRA campaigns or workers rectifying their status.
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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