A total of 97 expats were deported from the kingdom last week as part of a weekly campaign aimed at cracking down on labour violations.
According to the first report of the year by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), a total of 509 inspection visits were held from December 28 to January 3, in addition to 21 joint campaigns, resulting in the identification of nine irregular workers.
Most of the joint campaigns were held in the Southern Governorate (seven), followed by the Capital Governorate (six), Muharraq (five), and Northern Governorate (three).
The first round of joint inspections of the year was held in co-ordination with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, the respective governorate’s Police Directorate, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science, the General Directorate of Verdict Enforcement and Alternative Sentencing and Civil Defence.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Social Insurance Organisation and National Bureau for Revenue were also involved.
Since January 2024, a total of 117,548 inspection visits and 1,751 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in 3,709 detentions and the deportation of 12,309 irregular workers.
Last year, the authority held 54,600 inspections, in addition to 795 joint inspections, resulting in the identification of 860 irregular workers and the deportation of 4,776 expats.
The highest number of inspections – 8,537 – occurred in October, while the peak in deportations – 470 – was recorded in June.
The LMRA affirmed that it will continue to intensify inspection campaigns across the nation in co-ordination with the relevant entities.
It also reiterated its commitment to address any violations or practices that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or harm the economic and social security of the country.
Meanwhile, according to LMRA data, companies collectively obtained 126,482 foreign work permits through the parallel Bahrainisation system from 2023 to October 2025. This included 44,030 permits in 2023, 44,476 in 2024 and 37,976 from January to October 2025.
The parallel Bahrainisation system is designed to benefit companies requiring additional work permits for non-Bahrainis, but have not reached the required Bahranisation quota qualifying them to obtain work permits. Employers have to then pay an extra fee to bypass the system.
Financially, the system delivered a significant revenue of BD26.54m during the same period – including BD9.41m in 2023, BD9.25m in 2024, and BD7.88m from January to October 2025.
The bulk of the income came from new permit issuance, with renewals forming a smaller share.
The figures were revealed in a detailed parliamentary response by Labour and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf, who is also the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman, following a question by MP Mohammed Al Ahmed.
Citizens and residents are being urged to support the efforts of the government agencies in addressing illegal labour practices by reporting violations via the electronic form on the LMRA website, www.lmra.gov.bh, by calling the authority’s call centre on 17506055 or via the government’s suggestions and complaints system Tawasul.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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