Latest news with #LabourMarketRegulationLaw
Gulf Insider
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
LMRA Inspections Lead To Deportation
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has announced the results of a major inspection campaign carried out across Bahrain between May 11 and May 17, 2025, which led to the deportation of 167 violators and the detention of 14 irregular workers. In total, the LMRA conducted 1,337 inspection campaigns and visits, including 1,324 individual visits to commercial establishments and 13 joint inspection operations in coordination with multiple government agencies. The joint campaigns were carried out in all four governorates, including seven in the Capital Governorate, two each in Muharraq, Northern, and Southern Governorates. The inspections uncovered several violations of Bahrain's Labour Market Regulation Law and Residency Laws, and appropriate legal action has been taken. Participating entities included the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), along with the Police Directorates, the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. The LMRA emphasized its continued collaboration with government partners to protect the integrity of the labour market and address illegal employment practices that threaten the Kingdom's economic and social security. Citizens and residents are encouraged to report any suspected labour violations via the LMRA website at by calling 17506055, or through the Tawasul Suggestions and Complaints System. Also read: Bahrain Named World's Cleanest Airport In 2025 By Skytrax
Daily Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
LMRA Inspections Lead to Deportation of 167 Workers and Detention of 14 Violators
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has announced the results of a major inspection campaign carried out across Bahrain between May 11 and May 17, 2025, which led to the deportation of 167 violators and the detention of 14 irregular workers. In total, the LMRA conducted 1,337 inspection campaigns and visits, including 1,324 individual visits to commercial establishments and 13 joint inspection operations in coordination with multiple government agencies. The joint campaigns were carried out in all four governorates, including seven in the Capital Governorate, two each in Muharraq, Northern, and Southern Governorates. The inspections uncovered several violations of Bahrain's Labour Market Regulation Law and Residency Laws, and appropriate legal action has been taken. Participating entities included the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), along with the Police Directorates, the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. The LMRA emphasized its continued collaboration with government partners to protect the integrity of the labour market and address illegal employment practices that threaten the Kingdom's economic and social security. Citizens and residents are encouraged to report any suspected labour violations via the LMRA website at by calling 17506055, or through the Tawasul Suggestions and Complaints System.
Daily Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Passes Over 1,900 Economic Laws Since 2002, Says Finance Minister
The Kingdom is the only country globally to guarantee full data sovereignty. Over $6.5 billion in investments were attracted in 2023 and 2024 combined. Bahrain has enacted more than 1,900 economic and investment-related laws since 2002 as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kingdom's economic environment, announced Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Speaking at the opening of the Economic Forum hosted by the Shura Council under the theme 'Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development,' the minister highlighted key legislative milestones, including the Commercial Companies Law. He also noted that Bahrain is the only country in the world that guarantees full data sovereignty. Among the other significant laws he cited were the Labour Market Regulation Law and the Reorganization and Bankruptcy Law, in addition to the establishment of the Bahrain International Commercial Court, which has positioned Bahrain as the second international hub for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. Economic Recovery and Job Creation Shaikh Salman presented an overview of Bahrain's Economic Recovery Plan, first announced in late 2021, revealing that 80% of its objectives have already been implemented. The plan includes national strategies that align with global economic shifts, prioritizing employment, business development, and sustainability. One of the plan's key goals has been job creation, with a focus on making Bahraini citizens the first choice in the labor market. In support of this, 29,995 citizens were employed in 2022, with a similar number hired in 2023, and 27,147 more finding employment in 2024. Strategic Investment and Mega Projects The Minister also underscored Bahrain's success in attracting major investments. The Kingdom secured over $2.5 billion in investments in 2023 and more than $4 billion in 2024, driven by streamlined commercial procedures and the implementation of major strategic development projects across diverse sectors. 'These projects are not just infrastructural—they represent a broader strategy to transform and future-proof Bahrain's economic landscape,' Shaikh Salman noted. Sustained Economic Growth Bahrain has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the past two decades—surpassing the global average of 5% during the same period. Since 2004, the size of the national economy has quadrupled. Additionally, the contribution of non-oil sectors to Bahrain's GDP has grown from 67% in 2004 to 86% in 2024, making Bahrain's economy one of the most diversified in the region. The forum brought together experts, lawmakers, and policymakers to discuss Bahrain's economic vision and its transition toward sustainable and inclusive growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Daily Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Sparing employers from deportation costs
A proposal to spare Bahraini businesses from footing the bill for deporting runaway foreign workers and returning the bodies of deceased expatriates has passed through Parliament. MP Jalal Kadhem's amendment to the 2006 Labour Market Regulation Law shifts the financial duty for deportations entirely onto the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Under the new rules, employers will only pay repatriation costs if a worker dies and relatives specifically request the body's return. Direct blame Until now, businesses faced bills from the LMRA even when they bore no direct blame for a worker absconding or running afoul of the law. According to Kadhem, the LMRA had used vague wording in the previous law to reclaim costs unfairly from employers. Kadhem said the Constitution clearly calls for fair economic dealings between workers and employers. 'Businesses already pay hefty fees to the LMRA. To hit them again with deportation charges they did nothing to cause puts needless pressure on them,' he argued. He explained further that businesses already cover expenses for hiring, visas, accommodation, and annual fees for foreign staff. 'Many deportations stem from criminal acts or breaches of law, issues well beyond an employer's control,' he added.
Daily Tribune
15-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Parliament Backs Ban on Housemaids Switching to Commercial Jobs
A proposal to prevent housemaids from taking jobs outside household service passed through Parliament on Tuesday, following a debate that drew warnings from business leaders and a cautious response from the labour regulator. The amendment, which changes Clause (A) of Article 25 of the 2006 Labour Market Regulation Law, limits the movement of housemaids to within domestic service only. Under the new wording, a housemaid must either stay in a private household, move to another, or leave the country. Switching to a commercial job is not allowed while the permit is active. The added sentence reads: 'The right of transfer shall be limited to housemaids under the terms of this permit only.' MP Maryam Al Sayegh, who brought the proposal forward, said it would protect families who hire domestic workers through recruitment offices. 'A citizen who brings in a housemaid through an agency could be left out of pocket if that worker suddenly switches to a commercial job,' she said. 'This change ensures housemaids stay in household roles, where they are most needed, and helps maintain a clear division in the job market.' The Labour Market Regulatory Authority, in its written remarks to the Services Committee, said that the proposal largely repeats the current position. It explained that housemaids are already barred from switching jobs mid-contract, as their place of work is also their place of residence. This makes standard employment procedures harder to apply. 'The proposed wording would simply reaffirm what is already the case,' the regulator said. 'Housemaids cannot change jobs during the permit's validity. Once the permit ends, they may re-enter the labour market under a new contract, should both parties agree.' The authority referred to a 2009 decision, Resolution No. 79, which outlines the process for foreign workers changing employers. It noted that these steps, such as issuing written notice and observing a notice period, do not work well in homes where employer and worker live at the same address. Once the permit expires or is cancelled, the worker may apply for a new one. This, the regulator stressed, is treated as a fresh application and does not fall under the same rules as a job transfer. The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry voiced concern over the change. Its chairman, Sameer Abdulla Nass, warned that blocking one group of workers from switching roles while others remain free to do so could lead to unequal treatment. 'The current wording gives enough room for the labour market to work,' he said. 'Tightening it now risks upsetting that balance.' He added that Parliament should focus on broader updates to the law based on joint proposals developed with the Shura Council and the Chamber itself.
