Bahrain Cracks Down on Illegal Workers, Deporting Thousands in 2023 and 2024

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahraini authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal workers, conducting a total of 895 joint inspection campaigns with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in 2023.

These efforts resulted in the apprehension of 4,232 violators and the subsequent deportation of 5,477 illegal workers, according to official stats.

The capital, Manama, topped the list of areas with the highest number of illegal workers apprehended, both in 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

Increased Inspections in 2024
The momentum continued in the first quarter of 2024, with authorities conducting 391 joint inspection campaigns, apprehending 308 illegal workers in the capital alone.

Across the country, the Northern Governorate saw the apprehension of 251 violators in 22 campaigns during the first quarter of 2024, compared to 376 apprehended in 63 campaigns in 2023.

Similarly, the Muharraq Governorate witnessed 27 joint campaigns targeting areas with a high concentration of illegal workers, leading to the apprehension of 238 violators in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 274 apprehended in 33 campaigns in 2023.

The Southern Governorate also saw a significant increase in enforcement activities, with 21 campaigns conducted in the first quarter of 2024, resulting in the apprehension of 126 violators, compared to 220 apprehended in 48 campaigns in 2023.

Moreover, 13 campaigns conducted during the first quarter of this year resulted in the apprehension of 308 illegal workers in the capital. Meanwhile, 534 illegal workers were apprehended in 2023 through the execution of 35 campaigns.

Focus on Maritime Security
The Coast Guard also played a crucial role in combating illegal immigration, conducting 26 patrols in Bahraini territorial waters and along the kingdom's coasts in 2023 and 18 patrols in the first quarter of 2024.

High Employer Compliance Rate
The LMRA reported a high employer compliance rate of 94.7% with its regulations and requirements.

The authority conducted 781 joint inspection campaigns with the Ministry of Interior in 2023, compared to 292 in 2022, leading to the deportation of 5,477 illegal workers.

In the first quarter of 2024, 231 joint campaigns were conducted, identifying 1,863 illegal workers for deportation, compared to 1,093 identified during the same period in 2023.

Swift Action Against Violators
The Ministry of Interior takes swift action against apprehended illegal workers. Upon arrival at the designated center, their residency status is verified, and a case is registered in the National Criminal Justice System (Najm).

If their residency has expired, they are detained and presented to the Public Prosecution.