Bahrain Launches New Initiative to Support Non-Resident Diplomatic Missions

The initiative was inaugurated by hosting officials from the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait, who met with the Kenyan expatriate community residing in Bahrain. The LMRA plans to host additional non-resident consulates and embassies in the future.

Talib highlighted the importance of this project, stating, "Allocating a space at the LMRA headquarters for non-resident diplomatic missions demonstrates our commitment to enhancing collaboration with foreign embassies. This initiative will support Bahraini businesses and residents by streamlining the verification process for workers’ documents and facilitating various consular transactions. It also enables foreign communities to access consular services at a single, unified location."

He praised the coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the LMRA, emphasizing that the initiative reflects the Bahraini government’s team spirit. Talib added that this effort strengthens Bahrain’s labor market environment and its commitment to combating human trafficking, contributing to long-term stability.

Talib further explained that the initiative addresses significant challenges faced by both business owners and expatriate workers, particularly when it comes to renewing official documents and work permits.

Additionally, it will help expedite the regularization of irregular workers' status in Bahrain and assist them in obtaining necessary travel documents for departure.

Dr. Issa Nasser Al Nuaimi echoed these sentiments, affirming Bahrain’s role as a leader in promoting peaceful diplomacy and international cooperation against human trafficking. He lauded the initiative’s objectives, which include fostering stronger consular cooperation and mutual understanding between countries, while also aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals.

Al Nuaimi noted the positive response from non-resident embassies, many of which expressed interest in using the LMRA’s facilities to meet with their nationals and complete consular procedures.

He also reiterated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to enhancing consular services and working closely with all relevant ministries and entities in Bahrain to develop more initiatives like this in the future.

The initiative was launched as a practical solution to the challenges faced by foreign communities in Bahrain, particularly those without permanent diplomatic representation. The absence of resident embassies often leads to delays in consular processes, which can affect the legal status of expatriates in the Kingdom.

This initiative aims to provide these communities with access to essential consular services, including passport renewals, the issuance of official documents, and legal assistance in emergencies.