Not really flexible!

The Flexi Permit system introduced last year has a number of loopholes that need to be addressed by the authorities, according to trade unions. Flexi Permits, introduced by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) last July is seen as a progressive step towards the protection of workers.

The move received a red-carpet welcome within and outside the Kingdom as it was seen as a great stride in the labour sector. However, the system is not an astounding success, according to several trade unions that met yesterday to discuss the impact of the new system. Representatives of The General Federation of Workers Trade Unions in Bahrain (GFWTUB), International Trade Union Confederation, Migrant Workers Protection Society and other unions took part in the meeting.

Speaking to Tribune on the sideline of the event, Jaffar Isa, a GFWTUB representative said that the issues associated with the permit are many.

“If someone who is on Flexi Visa gets injured at work, who is going to pay the insurance? Will the employers pay when these people are temporary workers? There are a few gaps here which need to be clarified,” he said. “There is no clear-cut contract law. For example, are there any guarantees that the workers who work for an hour or two will get paid? “If the employer does not pay, what are the mechanisms the workers need to follow?” he added.

“Another huge issue is the fact that many workers may not be able to afford it and they may not be able to bear the cost every month. If he is not able to pay that money what can he do? It becomes a similar situation as the free visa system. This system is not based on a law but on an order.” “The chamber of commerce has given its approval for it and it is logical because from a business owners’ point of view, the system is good.

“It reduces their costs, the business owners will have access to a range of workers who will have their own visa, who can be hired at any time on a short-term contract.” “This also creates an unfair competition for Bahrainis because flexi-workers would be seen as attractive options for companies to hire. The workers’ union should have been consulted before implementing a system like this,” he added.