Bahrain introduces new registration system for expatriates
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
All expatriate workers in Bahrain will now be required to register with a new system created in partnership with the private sector.
The new labour registration system is in line with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s directives to cancel the flexible work permit.
Instead, a work permit card will be issued to each worker containing a QR Code that includes updated data such as the type of permit, the professions he is authorised to practice, the validity of the permit, health insurance, and the name of the facility or registration center.
Labour Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan said that required measures are being undertaken to implement the new registration system. He stressed the government’s keenness on maintaining labour market stability, creating jobs for nationals and integrating jobseekers in the private sector, as well as intensifying efforts to tackle the issue of illegal workers in particular.
Humaidan, who is also Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chairman, was addressing a press conference held yesterday at the Isa Cultural Centre on the Expatriate Worker Registration Programme.
The new system will protect workers’ rights in order to further support their role in national development, he emphasised. The Minister paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and hailed the support and follow-up of HRH Prince Salman.
Part of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s directives is to intensify inspection campaigns, tighten measures against violators among employers and workers, and link professional work licences to standards and qualifications, in addition to creating a proper environment that protects expatriate workers and strengthens the role of the private sector.
The press conference was also attended by LMRA Chief Executive Officer Noof Abdulrahman Jamsheer and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Chairman Sameer bin Abdulla Nass.
Inspection campaigns
Jamsheer said that inspection campaigns are being stepped up in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior to protect the rights of all parties, clamp down on violators and illegal labour practices and combat human trafficking and forced labour.
She pointed out the establishment of “expat registration centres” under the SIJILAT, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which would contribute to tackling the problem of illegal workers.
“The registration of all expatriate workers will meet the labour market needs for technical workers in professional jobs, as work in specialised professions will not be allowed unless licensed of granted equivalency from the concerned authorities,” she said.
Jamsheer said that the availability of information in the new work permit card will create a work environment that is “stable and legal to protect all parties.”
Fees
Workers will have to pay fees for issuing and renewing the permit, health insurance and insurance for departure expenses, in addition to the monthly fees and registration fees.
Runaway expatriates and those with visit visas will not be accepted in the labour registration system. Registered expatriate workers will not be allowed to obtain a commercial registration. Nass stressed the Chamber’s efforts to implement HM the King’s vision to spearheading comprehensive economic development, in cooperation with the government, chaired by HRH Prince Salman.
He paid tribute to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for ordering all expatriate workers to be registered in partnership with the private sector, which will have a positive impact on national, industrial and craft sectors.
Related Posts