Manama, The implementation of Edict (12) of 2024, which amended Article (40) of Law (19) of 2006 regarding the regulation of the labour market, Nibras Mohammed Talib, CEO of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), announced.
This amendment focuses on modifying the procedures and criteria for reconciliation in offences related to work permits.
The LMRA remains committed to continuously reviewing and improving the mechanisms and procedures governing the labour market, Talib said.
He added that these amendments align with the National Labour Market Plan (2023-2026) and aim to enhance compliance with laws and regulations. The amendments resulted from continuous consultations with stakeholders, which would provide employers with more flexibility in resolving violations through reconciliation, particularly in cases where an expired work permit is detected for a foreign worker employed by the same employer.
Furthermore, the LMRA clarified that it consistently reviews and updates its procedures and regula
tions to ensure alignment with labour market developments, thereby enhancing Bahrain’s competitiveness and supporting the sustainability of the commerce sector, which contributes to the Kingdom’s progress regionally and internationally in this sector.
According to the Edict, reconciliation is permitted for the offence stated in paragraph (b) of Article (23) of the Labour Market Regulation Law, which prohibits employers from employing a foreign worker without a valid work permit, by paying a reconciliation fee of BHD 500. In cases of repeated offences, the reconciliation fee increases to BHD 1,000.
The LMRA further explained that if an employer is found employing a foreign worker whose work permit has expired, the reconciliation fee will be staggered: BHD 100 if the violation is detected within the first ten days after the permit’s expiration, BHD 200 if detected after ten days but before twenty days, and BHD 300 if detected after twenty days but before thirty days. After thirty days, the minimum statutory f
ine for the offence applies.
Additionally, the amendments to the LMRA Law allow reconciliation for the offence stated in paragraph (a) of Article (23), which prohibits foreign workers from working in the Kingdom without a valid work permit, with a reconciliation fee of BHD 500 for first-time violations.
These amendments aim to provide employers with flexibility in rectifying their situations in cases of non-compliance with work permit procedures or renewals, encouraging adherence to laws and regulations, and reducing the incidence of illegal employment. Employers are also given the opportunity to rectify the status of their workers by obtaining the necessary permits, contributing to the sustainability of business operations. The amendment also extends the reconciliation period from seven to 14 working days to facilitate the rectification process.
The LMRA highlighted that employers have the option to renew work permits before they expire, which helps avoid violations outlined in the law. The authority has
implemented mechanisms to remind employers six months before the permit’s expiration, with additional reminders three months and one month prior, as well as on the expiration date itself. The LMRA also contacts employers directly before the permit expires and encourages them to update their contact information to receive all notifications and updates through the Expatriate Management System (EMS).
Source: Bahrain News Agency