Pay on time or pay the price

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

Businesses that fail to pay their workers on time are now facing the full force of the law, as the government launches surprise inspections in a clampdown on wage delays. Workers have been given new power to report late payments, triggering immediate action, in a bid to tackle this growing issue across private companies.

In a statement from Parliamentary Affairs Minister, His Excellency Ghanim Al Buainain, to the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, the government stressed that unpaid wages threaten workers’ rights and remain a top priority for the authorities. “The government is determined to ensure that all private companies follow wage payment rules,” the response said.

“This is being managed through strict monitoring and checks.” The Wages Protection System, under Article 46 of the Labour Law for the Private Sector, set up by Law No. 36 of 2012, is already in use.

System

Established in 2019 under Decision No. 68, the system ensures that wages are paid through approved methods like bank transfers or prepaid cards, overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

The government explained that close cooperation between the Ministry of Labour, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), and the CBB)has been crucial in ensuring firms obey the rules.

These bodies, working with Benefit Company and local banks, carry out inspections and regular checks to spot any violations.

Penalties

“Employers who fail to pay wages on time will face penalties, including legal action,” the statement added. “Inspections are organised as soon as complaints are made, and employers are required to correct the situation without delay.”

In cases where wage delays are due to financial difficulties, a payment plan is arranged under the Ministry of Labour’s oversight.

If employers fail to attend meetings or stick to the plan, further legal action is taken, including suspending work permits for expats until the matter is resolved.

Resolution

The government also emphasised that one of the key aims of the Wages Protection System is to speed up the resolution of wage disputes in labour courts.

The system allows courts quick access to detailed records of wage payments, helping them settle cases more quickly.

As part of this wider effort, the government is increasing the number of inspections and prioritising wage complaints.

Report

Workers can report issues through several channels, including phone, email, and the Ministry’s website. “Companies that fail to comply are added to a watchlist,” the government said.

“If the issue is not fixed within a month, further legal steps are taken, including referral to the Public Prosecution.”

This move is part of the ongoing work to protect workers’ rights and ensure wage disputes are handled efficiently, with the government reaffirming its push to uphold fair treatment of workers in the Kingdom.