Bahrain: Employers Can Now Digitally Renew Work Visas and Residence Permits of Out-of-Country Employees

Effective immediately, employers can now digitally renew the work visas and residence permits of foreign employees and their dependents who are currently outside of Bahrain. Previously, renewal was only permitted in-country. In order to complete this new process, the foreign employee must hold the same passport used for their original work visa. The employer can initiate the renewal via the Expatriate Management System, up to six months prior to the foreign employee’s visa or permit expiration date. On the site, the employer will select the visa duration and complete payment. The Expatriate Management System allows for joint renewal of the work visa and associated residence permit. Once authorities renew the work visa, the residence permit will then be processed and its validity period will be equal to the duration of the work visa. Employers may then obtain a digital work visa and residence permit through the National Portal.