.jpg?20260326')
More than 10,000 illegal expatriates have been deported from Bahrain since January last year, as part of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s (LMRA) intensive inspection visits and joint campaigns carried out across the kingdom.
In its weekly report, the LMRA revealed that it has deported 120 individuals and detained 15 irregular workers following a series of inspection campaigns and visits conducted between July 20 and 26.
This brings the total number of deported illegal expatriate workers to 10,082 since January last year.
In a statement issued last night, the LMRA said it carried out 1,410 inspections across the kingdom, targeting various commercial establishments to ensure compliance with labour and residency laws.
Of these, 1,396 were LMRA inspection visits, while 14 were joint campaigns conducted in coordination with other government bodies.
Breakdowns of the joint efforts show that five campaigns each were held in Muharraq and the Northern Governorate, with four taking place in the Southern Governorate.
These operations were conducted in partnership with the Interior Ministry, including the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, local police directorates, and the Social Insurance Organisation.
Since January last year, a total of 85,454 inspection visits and 1,201 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in 3,272 detentions and the deportation of 10,082 irregular workers.
Appropriate legal action has been taken in response to these violations.
In its statement, the LMRA reiterated its commitment to coordinating with other government agencies to intensify inspections across all governorates. The aim, it said, is to safeguard the stability and competitiveness of Bahrain’s labour market and to protect the country’s economic and social security.
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.
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.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))