New Tiered Fines Introduced for Employers Violating Hiring Rules

TDT | Manama

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The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has rolled out a new tiered fine system aimed at employers who violate hiring regulations. The rules, featured in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, stipulate that those caught employing foreign workers without the necessary permits will face an immediate penalty of 500 Bahraini Dinars. Repeat offenders will see the fine double to 1,000 Dinars. This move signifies increased vigilance over labour practices and aims to boost compliance among employers of foreign workers.

Employers who persist in employing expat workers with expired permits will face escalating fines depending on how long the violation continues. A fine of 100 Dinars applies if the offence is detected within ten days of the permit’s expiry, rising to 200 Dinars between ten and twenty days, and 300 Dinars for delays extending from twenty to thirty days. Beyond thirty days, the statutory minimum fine will be enforced.

Moreover, expat workers found to be working without a permit for the first time will incur a fine of 500 Dinars. Employers can now settle these penalties online; once fines are paid within the new time frame, the case will be closed, preventing any further legal repercussions.

These changes replace the regulations established in 2008, as the LMRA seeks to improve compliance across the board.