Indian Embassy urges flexi visa holders to update legal status
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Reported by Zahra Ayaz
All flexi-visa holders and undocumented employees have been advised by the Indian Embassy to confirm their status and sign up for the Labour Registration Program by March 4.
An event was held by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) on Saturday to create awareness about the new rules and regulations and the flexibilities that the LMRA is offering to all expatriate workers in Bahrain.
Following the LMRA’s previously announced labour market reforms, which have eliminated flexi permits, the new program will remedy a worker’s legal status. Indian Ambassador HE Piyush Srivastava attended the event along with officials from the LMRA and ICRF.
“It’s a very important event for our community members." The event comes following recent labour reform measures and programs undertaken by the government of Bahrain, particularly changing the flexi visa program to the new system,” Mr Srivastava said.
“It is no surprise that the Indian community comprises about a quarter of Bahrain’s population." The embassy works in close coordination with the LMRA, which has been extremely supportive in helping resolve labour issues.
An LMRA representative described the procedures, focusing on the latest regulations and obligations of the workers. “Registered workers will be given a work permit card containing a QR code that includes workers’ update data,” he said.
The program’s goals are to defend workers’ rights, oppose illegal labour market practices, register employees to guarantee their legal status is correct, and provide them with access to medical insurance and wage protection.
The advantages of the Registered Worker permit include allowing expats to have multiple employers, full- or part-time work, freedom to travel and return as long as the residence permit is valid, and one- or two-year renewable residency.
The LMRA highlighted that all workers need to verify and register by visiting its website (www.lmra.bh) and using the ‘Eligibility Verification Services’, or by sending an SMS that includes the worker’s number to 33150150, or by contacting the LMRA call center at 17103103.
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