Bahrain: 139 more deported in LMRA clampdown
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), 729 inspection visits were held from June 22 to 28 in addition to 12 joint campaigns, leading to the identification of 19 irregular workers and the deportation of 139 expats.
The joint inspections were held in co-operation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the respective governorate's police directorate, the Coastguard, the Social Insurance Organisation and the Supreme Council for Environment.
Campaigns
This time around, most of the joint campaigns were focused on the Southern Governorate with five, followed by the Northern Governorate (three), and the Capital Governorate and Muharraq Governorate (two each).
Since January last year, 81,795 inspection visits and 1,151 joint campaigns have been conducted, resulting in the identification of 3,226 violations and the deportation of 9,631 irregular workers.
LMRA affirmed that it will continue to co-ordinate with government agencies to intensify inspection campaigns in all the governorates of the kingdom.
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 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.
Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
13 minutes ago
- Zawya
Khaleeji Bank organises CBB field visit for Banking Gateway Program participants and interns
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: Khaleeji Bank, one of the leading Islamic banks in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has arranged an educational field visit to the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) for participants of its Banking Gateway Program, as well as university students under its annual Internship Program for the year 2025. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive training experience that combines theoretical and practical knowledge. During the visit, CBB officials welcomed the trainees and provided an overview of the bank's vital role in maintaining financial and currency stability within the Kingdom, which includes reserve management and stability measures. The students also toured the Currency Museum and received briefings from staff across various departments, gaining insights into the daily operations of the bank. This initiative aligns with Khaleeji's commitment to nurturing young national talent and preparing them to enter the labour market. By incorporating field visits into its training programs, the bank aims to deepen participants' practical knowledge of Bahrain's financial infrastructure while developing their professional skills. The participants have expressed appreciation for this valuable initiative, affirming that it enriched their training experience and broadened their understanding of banking operations at the national level. Ms. Fatima Ahmed Al Bin Ali, Head of Human Resources at Khaleeji Bank, commented 'At Khaleeji, we believe that a comprehensive training experience extends beyond the workplace. Organising qualitative field visits allows students to gain firsthand exposure to key financial institutions, such as the CBB, opening new horizons for their professional development.' She added 'Empowering our national talent starts with providing real opportunities to learn from relevant institutions. We are proud of the positive feedback from the participants and remain committed to continuously enhancing our training programs to meet their ambitions and the needs of Bahrain's evolving labour market.' Khaleeji is a leading Islamic Bank that strives to achieve clients' ambitions through an Islamic Banking model that offers a comprehensive range of high quality Shari'a-complaint banking services and investment opportunities to individuals and companies. Visit Khaleeji Bank's website at and follow the bank's social media accounts for the latest news and offers: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the X platform.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Gulf Hotels Group posts 29.7% rise in net profit
Bahrain - Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has announced its financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025. For the second quarter of 2025, the company has achieved net profit of BD2.8 million compared to BD2.1m in the second quarter of the previous year, with an increase of BD0.7m or 29.7pc. Earnings per share are 12 fils compared to 9 fils in the second quarter of last year. Total comprehensive income is BD2.6m compared to BD1.8m for the second quarter of the previous year, with an increase of BD0.7m or 39pc. Revenue for the second quarter was BD10.1m, compared to BD9.4m for the same period last year, with an increase of BD0.7m or 7pc. For the first six months of 2025, the company has achieved net profit of BD5.2m compared to BD4.8m in the six months of the previous year, with an increase of BD0.42m or 9pc. The earnings per share are 23 fils compared to 21 fils in the six months of last year. Total comprehensive income is BD5.1m compared to BD4.2m for the six months of the previous year, with an increase of BD0.9m or 21pc. Revenue is BD18.7m compared to BD18.4m for the same period last year, with an increase of BD0.3m or 2pc. The total equity (excluding minority interests) for the period of six months ended June 30, 2025 was BD105m compared to BD106m for the year ended December 31, 2024, with a decrease of BD0.7m or 0.6pc. The total assets for the YTD reached BD111m compared to BD113m for 2024, with a decrease of BD2.1m or 2pc. Gulf Hotels Group chairman Fawzi Kanoo said: 'Gulf Hotels Group delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2025, marked by solid growth in both revenue and net profit. This positive momentum reflects our firm commitment and continued efforts to drive sustainable growth across all our portfolio.' Mr Kanoo added: 'Major events, most notably the Formula 1 Grand Prix, alongside the holiday season, played a pivotal role in stimulating travel activity and boosting hotel occupancy across the kingdom. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about maintaining our positive momentum into the second half of 2025, supported by ongoing government initiatives aimed at developing the tourism sector. We are committed to enhancing operational efficiency across our portfolio while pursuing strategic opportunities within Bahrain and across the GCC region to further expand our footprint and deliver long-term, sustainable value to our shareholders.' Gulf Hotels Group chief executive Ahmed Janahi added: 'The group continued to build on its strong momentum throughout the second quarter and first half of 2025, delivering solid year-on-year profit growth of 30pc for the quarter and 9pc for the six-month period, reflecting effective portfolio management and enhanced operational efficiencies.' Mr Janahi further noted, 'The official integration of Gulf Hotel Bahrain into the global Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme in April 2025 marked a significant milestone in our transformation journey. This strategic move has elevated the hotel's presence on the global hospitality map and unlocked new opportunities to attract a broader segment of international guests and Bonvoy members, positively impacting occupancy rates and operating revenues in the coming years.' He also revealed that the group is set to launch a new catering company under its umbrella, dedicated to serving diverse sectors including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, corporate clients, and private events. In addition, the company will operate a cloud kitchen model to expand its reach into delivery-focused food services. 'This initiative represents a valuable addition to our business portfolio, strengthening income diversification and supporting our broader institutional expansion plans.' Mr Janahi concluded by noting that the Group is currently assessing several promising opportunities to grow its portfolio through the management of hotels and serviced apartments, alongside plans to expand its renowned restaurant brands across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Bank ABC net profit reaches $152mln; assets hit historic $48bln
Bahrain - Bank ABC (Arab Banking Corporation) continued its resilient performance, against a backdrop of continuing global economic uncertainty, with an H1 net profit of $152 million, a 1% headline growth over the corresponding period last year. Adjusted for foreign exchange translation differences, underlying net profit grew by a robust 9% year-on-year (YOY), reflecting strong and diversified core business performance, underpinned by well-controlled credit costs, the bank said. The group's total assets reached a historic $48 billion, propelled by a combination of core business momentum, FX movements as well as portfolio management activity. The group continued to maintain healthy capital and liquidity buffers, it said. Bank ABC's Group Chairman Naji Belgasem remarked: 'The group delivered strong results in the first half of 2025, particularly given the turbulent geopolitical environment that prevailed during this period. This stands testament to Bank ABC's diversified business model and focused execution of the strategy, which allows it to leverage market opportunities across the Group's international franchise while maintaining focus on balance sheet health. Business pipelines are strong, supporting confidence in revenue momentum and delivery of sustained value for all our shareholders over the remainder of the year.' Detailed summary of the financial results below: Q2 2025 Performance Highlights * Consolidated net profit attributable to the shareholders of the parent, for Q2 2025 was $76 million, +1% higher compared to $75 million reported for the same period last year, on a headline basis. Underlying growth in net profit, adjusted for FX impact was +5%. * Earnings per share for the period was $0.024, in line with the same period last year. * Total comprehensive income attributable to the shareholders of the parent was a positive $99 million as compared to a negative $28 million reported during the same period of last year. Q2 2025 benefitted from the strengthening of currencies (in particular BRL) against the US$, as compared to Q2 2024, which was impacted by the devaluation of the BRL against the US$. * Total operating income for Q2 2025 was $340 million, 3% higher compared to $331 million reported for the same period last year. Underlying Total Operating Income for Q2 2025 was $353 million, compared to $331 million for the same period last year, a YoY growth of +7% after adjusting for FX impact. H1 2025 Performance Highlights * Consolidated net profit attributable to the shareholders of the parent, for H1 2025 was $152 million, a growth of 1% compared to $150 million reported last year. Underlying growth in net profit, adjusted for FX impact was +9%, driven by a combination of higher average asset volumes and steady cost of credit. * Earnings per share for the period was US$0.046, compared to $0.046 in the same period last year. * Total comprehensive income attributable to the shareholders of the parent was a positive $253 million as compared to a negative US$56 million during the same period last year. H1 2024 was impacted by the devaluation of Egyptian pound and Brazilian Real against the US$. * Total operating income for H1 2025 was $672 million, as compared to $674 million reported last year. Underlying Total Operating Income was $713 million, reflecting a growth of +6% after adjusting for FX impact reflecting broad based growth across almost all the core markets. Balance Sheet * Equity attributable to the shareholders of the parent and perpetual instrument holders at the end of the period was $4,363 million, compared to $4,207 million reported at the 2024 year-end, after absorbing the impact of dividend payments. * Total assets stood at $48.0 billion at the end of the period, as compared to $46.3 billion reported at the 2024 year-end, an increase of 4% driven by core business growth in the loan portfolio, FX movements and balance sheet optimization and portfolio management actions. * Healthy Capital and Liquidity ratios: Tier 1 Capital ratio at 14.8%, of which CET1 at 13.0%. LCR and NSFR at 177% and 121% respectively. Bank ABC is a leading player in the region's banking industry, with a presence in 15 countries across five continents. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
