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A total of 125 expatriates have been deported from Bahrain as part of the latest round of a nationwide crackdown on labour and residency violators.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), 1,062 inspection visits and 15 joint campaigns were held from May 25 to 31, resulting in the identification of 12 irregular workers.
The inspections were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and the Social Insurance Organisation.
Most of the joint inspections this time were held in the Northern Governorate (six), followed by the Capital Governorate (five), Muharraq Governorate (three) and Southern Governorate (one).
Since January last year, 77,976 inspection visits and 1,107 joint campaigns have been carried out, resulting in the identification of 3,173 violations and the deportation of 9,161 irregular workers.
The LMRA has confirmed that legal action was being taken against the violators, and affirmed that it will intensify the inspections across the nation.
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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