Bahrain: New Labour Registration Program Launched for Select Categories of Foreign Nationals in Irregular Immigration Status

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority has launched a Labour Registration Program which allows foreign nationals whose work permits have expired or have been cancelled to obtain a work authorization valid for up to two years to enable them to work on a self-sponsored basis. The new scheme is also addressed to holders of a Flexible Work Permit seeking to regularize their status, since the program was discontinued earlier this year. Foreign nationals in visitor status and those with criminal offenses are not eligible to register. Individuals may register for the program by submitting a Registered Worker Permit Service application. Applicants must have an international bank account number and proof of professional qualifications (where applicable) among other documentary requirements. The new scheme aims to further regularize the labour market in Bahrain, especially after the Flexible Work Permit program was discontinued. It also targets irregular migrants while compliance enforcement actions, including immigration and labour inspections, are on the rise. Finally, the program aims to identify illegal practices in the labor market by linking work permits to occupational standards to increase safety in workplaces.