A LEGISLATIVE proposal that sought to grant employers an additional 30-day grace period to renew expired work permits for foreign workers – before penalties are imposed – has been rejected by the Shura Council.
The chamber’s services committee concluded that the measure was unnecessary and could undermine labour market regulation.
The proposal, originally submitted by Parliament as an amendment to Article (26) of the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law, aimed to reduce penalties imposed immediately upon expiry of a work permit and prevent disruptions to business operations.
Dr Al Dallal
However, committee rapporteur Dr Ibtisam Al Dallal explained that the rationale behind the amendment was already being addressed through Decree-Law No (12) of 2024, which amended Article (40) and introduced progressive reconciliation and advance-notification mechanisms.
Mr Al Buainain
The weekly session yesterday was attended by Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain and Legal Affairs Minister and Acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf.
Mr Khalaf stressed that the government continuously reviewed legislation, mainly concerning labour, to ensure that regulations remained practical.
“We amended the law last year and introduced gradual settlements,” he said.
“The legislation under debate would only have caused disruption and would not be following the established framework.”
Dr Al Fadhel
Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel said the amendment ‘was born dead’, noting that the same MPs who proposed it later rejected it.
“Labour market laws are built on a careful balance of rights and duties,” she said.
“The goals of this proposal already existed in practice, and there are digital systems reminding employers of expiry dates.
“Granting a 30-day window could open the door to misuse and place extra pressure on inspection teams. Instead of aiding violators, we should reward employers who renew on time.”
She added that only the Bahrain Chamber had supported the amendment.
Mr Al Maawda
Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Adel Al Maawada emphasised the need for streamlined regulations that support national employment goals.
“We all work to create more opportunities for Bahrainis,” he said.
“This requires flexible and clear laws that attract investment while safeguarding everyone’s rights.”
Dr Al Salman
Services committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman said the rejection effectively closes the door on the proposed amendment, confirming that Bahrain’s updated labour market regulation – supported by new reconciliation mechanisms and alert systems – already achieve the goals legislators were seeking.
“The decision reflects a broader legislative consensus that further amendments could weaken compliance, increase irregular labour and complicate enforcement, rather than support the stability and competitiveness of Bahrain’s labour market,” she added.
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