Bahrain Court Jails 10 for Harboring Illegal Domestic Workers

Daily Tribune

2 days ago

TDT | Manama
The Second Minor Criminal Court has sentenced ten defendants to prison terms ranging from two to three months, along with fines, for harboring and assisting domestic workers residing illegally in Bahrain and facilitating their hourly cleaning services. Eight of the convicted will be deported after serving their sentences.
According to the Public Prosecution, the case began when the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence received a report from its Search and Follow-Up Department. The report revealed that a Bahraini man and his wife had been sheltering and aiding five Asian domestic workers who were living in the Kingdom unlawfully, enabling them to work as part-time cleaners in violation of the law. Three other Asian defendants were also involved in assisting the workers.
Upon receiving the report, the Public Prosecution launched an immediate investigation. The Bahraini defendant, his wife, and the domestic workers were questioned, and further inquiries linked additional suspects to the case. Authorities arrested all the accused and remanded them in custody pending trial.
The case was referred to the criminal court, which issued its ruling convicting all ten defendants, ordering prison terms, fines, and the deportation of eight foreign nationals upon completion of their sentences.