Ban visit visa to work permit conversion

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A draft law prohibiting the conversion of visit visas into work permits for foreigners is set to spark a heated debate and vote in Bahrain's Parliament this Tuesday. The proposal has already faced strong opposition from a parliamentary committee.

If approved, the amendment will alter the Immigration and Residence Act of 1965, introducing a new clause: "It shall not, under any circumstances, be permissible to convert a foreigner’s entry visa to Bahrain into a work residence permit."

Currently, foreigners can obtain residency permits if they can support themselves or intend to work in Bahrain. However, authorities retain full discretion over approvals, renewals, and conditions. Additionally, Ministerial Order No. 25 of 1976 mandates a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for work-related visas and prohibits granting visit visas to those suspected of seeking employment.

The parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security, led by MP Hassan Bu Khammas, has rejected the proposed law, arguing that the existing legal framework, including 2024 amendments, is adequate. Ministerial Order No. 16 of 2024 already bars the conversion of visit visas into work visas unless the sponsor remains unchanged. This has resulted in an 87 percent drop in such conversions, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry also warned that a total ban on visa conversions could negatively impact citizens, particularly by complicating the recruitment of domestic workers. Citizens would bear the additional costs of sending foreign visitors back to their home countries and reapplying for work permits, creating unnecessary financial burdens.

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) supports this view, affirming that visa conversions are now tightly regulated. Critics, however, have pointed out potential conflicts with existing laws, noting that residency decisions are within the state's sovereign powers and should remain free from legislative interference to ensure flexibility in managing public interest.

The government has stressed that strict penalties are in place for those who violate labour laws. Expat workers cannot take up employment without proper permits, and employers who fail to comply face hefty fines or criminal charges.

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) has weighed in, stating that the proposal does not violate foreign nationals’ rights under international conventions. However, the NIHR cautioned that any changes to the wording of the draft law could affect its compatibility with human rights standards, leaving room for further review.