Stricter Rules Proposed for Expat Job Transfers Mid-Contract

TDT | Manama

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MPs are pushing for tougher rules to curb expat workers switching jobs mid-contract, claiming the practice disrupts businesses and breaches existing agreements. The proposal, passed earlier today in the Council of Representatives, seeks stricter controls to ensure that workers cannot transfer to another employer during the validity of their contracts without complying with legal and contractual obligations to their current employer.

The motion was tabled by MPs Mamdouh Al Saleh, Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, Abdulwahid Qarata, and Abdulnabi Salman, who argued that some workers exploit loopholes in the current system, leaving employers grappling with unfinished work and operational challenges.

‘Unchecked job transfers during an active contract are causing real harm to businesses, as they often result in disrupted workflows and economic instability,’ Mamdouh Al Saleh said. He stressed that the proposed measures are essential to protect employers from potential breaches of trust and disruption in their operations.

The existing law already requires foreign workers to spend at least one calendar year in their current job before transferring, but the MPs pointed out that enforcement needs to be tightened to address recurring issues. They added that any transfer should only proceed after confirming the worker has upheld their obligations to the current employer, as per the terms of their contract.

The Council’s decision highlights growing concerns among business owners, who have voiced frustration over workers leaving mid-contract without proper clearance, causing delays and additional costs. With this measure now on the table, lawmakers aim to ensure fair practices while maintaining economic stability in Bahrain’s labour market.