The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) held a joint press conference with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), on the Expatriate Worker Registration Programme, at the Isa Cultural Centre.
Part of the directives announced was the introduction of a new work permit card for expatriates. Qualified and eligible workers with valid residency, who do not face any charges for legal violations, can apply for the card at worker registration centres, which will soon be set up across the country.
This system will contribute to addressing irregular employment by registering all expatriate workers with the registration centres, indicating that the wage protection system will be operational to guarantee the rights of workers and employers through continuous monitoring.
It will help meet the labour market’s needs for technical workers in professional jobs, as working in specialized professions will only be permitted following the verification of qualifications, adding that a work permit card will be issued for each worker with a QR code that includes up-to-date data.
The QR code will include the type of permit, the worker’s authorised professions, the validity of the permit, health insurance details, and the name of the facility or centre with which they are registered.
Workers can only register if they reside in the Kingdom of Bahrain, have not absconded from their jobs and have a clear criminal record. Applications will not be accepted from those entering the country on a visit visa, and registered workers are not allowed to obtain a commercial record. They will have to pay fees for issuing and renewing a permit, health insurance and insurance for departure expenses, in addition to the monthly fees and registration fees.
