LMRA launches flexible work permit

Manama : In a groundbreaking move, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) yesterday launched a ‘flexible work permit’ allowing workers who have overstayed in the Kingdom to work and reside in Bahrain without a sponsor. 

Announcing the decision, LMRA, CEO, Ausamah Al Absi said: “This is an unprecedented procedure in the Middle East region and allows Bahrain to cope with the rapidly growing changes and challenges in the labour market.”

He has also urged applicants to ensure their eligibility by using the express service feature on the LMRA website or by sending a text message, including CPR number, to 33150150. 

The move, when effective, will provide the applicants complete independency and will be allowed to work under multiple employers simultaneously. This includes any non-professional job, full or part-time, and with more than one employer, for a renewable period of two years. 

However, applicants will have to pay for their work permit, health care, travel ticket as opposed to these fees being paid by an employer. 

Total fees BD449

Workers willing to benefit from the plan will have to pay a fee of BD449 in total. This includes a work permit for two years, health care fees of BD144 for two years, a onetime BD90 deposit to ensure a travel ticket, which can be refunded in case the worker wishes to return home, and a one time BD15 discounted fee to extend the residency period. Workers are also required to pay a monthly fee of BD30. 

Under the new flexible permit system; LMRA will accept 2000 workers per month through its Sitra Industrial Area branch. 

Applicants are also required to posses a passport having a validity of at least six months. 

Once applied, LMRA will respond to the applicant by sending two text messages. First message will confirm the applicant’s eligibility and the second will specify the date and time of appointment at the authority’s Sitra Industrial Area branch.

Beginning July 23, LMRA’s Sitra branch will start scheduling appointments, where 2000 permits will be issued per month. 

Be on time

Al Absi explained that once the worker arrives at the Sitra branch on time, an LMRA employee will collect the worker’s information and contact number in order for the authority to stay in touch with him and to inform him about his rights, duties and issues related to his residency status.

Besides, LMRA will provide all information regarding the flexible permit to the general public by coordinating with embassies, clubs, and civil society organisations of expatriate workers. 

Blue Card

For identification purposes, beneficiaries will be granted a ‘Blue Card’, which will be renewed every six months, free of charge

The process

Use express service feature on LMRA website or

Text CPR number from own mobile to 33150150

Receive confirmation and date of appointment

Reach the branch at the specified date and time

Complete necessary procedures as advised

Based on eligibility, a ‘Blue Card’ will be issued

Pay a total fee of BD449

Benefits

The ‘Blue Card’ holder will have the right to work in various non-professional jobs either full or part-time, with one or more employers.

The holder will benefit from free health care at government centres. 

The cardholder will be allowed to leave and return to the country on a regular basis during the work visa’s validity period.

The flexible permit will help protect labour rights and prevent exploitation or trafficking attempts.