LMRA Slashes Licence Times and Boosts Efficiency with New Digital Upgrades

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Reports by Mohammed Darwish

Sweeping digital upgrades to 50 services of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) aimed at boosting efficiency and user satisfaction have been announced by Nebras Talib, the CEO of LMRA.

Key updates include a more efficient process for licensing and renewals for recruitment agencies, improved online settlement procedures, and enhanced services for domestic and work permits.

Mr Talib pointed out that these changes are intended to increase efficiency and service quality by integrating digital solutions, reducing completion times, and simplifying procedures.

Many services are now available online, cutting down the need for in-person visits. For example, the time to licence recruitment agencies has been reduced from 60 days to 20, and the required documents have been halved.

Similarly, work abandonment notifications are now processed in 11 days instead of 30, and the work permit quota service has been shortened from 13 days to 3.

Mr Talib explained that these upgrades are in response to directives from HRH Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The changes, designed to speed up processing and improve digital solutions, align with Bahrain’s goal of becoming a leading business hub.

Mr Talib outlined the authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance its services and procedures to better the work environment and user experience. As part of the Crown Prince’s directive to develop 500 services across 24 government entities, the LMRA has revamped 50 services—26 for business owners, 16 for domestic employees, and 8 for expatriate workers.

This initiative supports Bahrain’s broader development objectives under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Mr Talib reiterated the LMRA’s aim to keep improving, staying abreast of global digital trends, and supporting Bahrain’s ambition to become a leading business and investment centre in the region.