Bahrain > Migrant workers

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Interior Minister Order No. 101 of 2018 on replacing Article No. 4 of Order No. 74 of 2007 on Granting Self-Sponsorship Residence Permits for Foreigners. (قرار وزير الداخلية رقم 101 لسنة 2018 باستبدال المادة 4 من القرار رقم 74 لسنة 2007 بشأن منْح رخصة إقامة للأجانب بالكفالة الشخصية) -

Adoption: 2018-06-28 | Date of entry into force: 2018-06-29 | BHR-2018-R-109198

This Order amends and replaces Article No. 4 of Order No.74 of 2007 on Granting Self-Sponsorship Residence Permits for Foreigners.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Interior Minister Order No. 8 of 2018 Replacing Article 3(c) of Order No. 121 of 2007 Regarding the Entry Visa and Residence Permit of Dependents of Foreign Workers and Employer. (قرار وزير الداخلية رقم 8 لسنة 2018 باستبدال البند ج من المادة رقم 3 من القرار رقم 121 لسنة 2007 بشأن تأشيرة دخول ورخصة إقامة أفراد عائلة العامل وصاحب العمل الأجنبي) -

Adoption: 2018-01-04 | Date of entry into force: 2018-01-05 | BHR-2018-R-109165

Article 3(c) of Order No. 121 of 2007 Regarding the Entry Visa and Residence Permit of Dependents of Foreign Workers and Business Owners, shall be amended and replaced as follows:

" The monthly income of the foreign workers or employer shall be no less than 400 (BHD)".

Persons who have been granted the entry visa or a residence permit prior to this Ministerial Order coming into effect shall be exempt from the aforementioned amendment.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Regulation No. 108 of 2017 on the Adjustment of Residency Status for Flexible Work Permit Applicants. (قرار رقم 108 لسنة 2017 بشان تصحيح اوضاع الاقامة للمتقدمين لاصدار تصريح صاحب عمل - عامل مرن) -

Adoption: 2017-07-06 | Date of entry into force: 2017-07-07 | BHR-2017-R-106238

Flexible work permit applicants will be exempted from paying penalties for their illegal stay in the Bahrain Kingdom,the exemption will only include the approved applicants for the new permits and those who don’t have any reservations on their stay in the Bahrain Kingdom.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Law, Act

Ministerial Order No. 89 of 2016 regulating the terms and procedures for implementing the provisions of sections (8, 9 and 10) of Bahraini Citizenship Act. -

Adoption: 2016-08-04 | Date of entry into force: 2016-08-05 | BHR-2016-L-105473

Regulates the terms and procedures for implementing the provisions of sections (8, 9 and 10) of Bahraini Citizenship Act.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Ministerial Order No. 12 of 2016 on medical examination certificates for migrant workers. -

Adoption: 2016-05-12 | Date of entry into force: 2016-05-13 | BHR-2016-R-105492

Medical check certificates for migrant workers are issued by the private health institutions licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority (“NHRA”). Private health institutions are required to notify the public health committees of the medical check results, who further notify the LMRA. The public health committees will observe and supervise the medical check results that are conducted by private health institutions and shall have the authority to request the files and medical records to ensure compliance with procedures stipulated by the Ministry of Health.

If the private health institutions decide that an expat is unfit to work, or that he is carrying an infectious disease, the private health institution is required to notify the public health committees within 24 hours from the results date. In such event, the employer must ensure that the employee is taken to the public health committees for re-examination.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Decree Law No. 36 of 2015 on the Cessation of the retirement rights and benefits in case of withdrawing or losing Bahraini citizenship or naturalization of a foreign nationality without permission. -

Adoption: 2015-10-08 | Date of entry into force: 2015-10-09 | BHR-2015-R-101622

The Decree Law provides that anyone who withdraws or losses his Bahraini citizenship or naturalize of a foreign nationality without permission, shall no longer enjoy any of due retirement rights and benefits.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 4 of 2014 on Regulating Work Permits for Domestic Workers And Those that fall under this category. -

Adoption: 2014-04-24 | Date of entry into force: 2014-04-25 | BHR-2014-R-99755

Article 3: The conditions for granting work permits.
Article 7: The employer commitments.
Article 8: The employee commitments.
Article 10: The duration of the work permit.
Article 11: The work permit expiration.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Ministerial Order No. 67 of 2013 amending Order No. 26 of 2008 concerning the fees that are imposed on employers for work permits and for the renewal of residence permits for family members of migrant workers and on foreign employers. -

Adoption: 2013-10-10 | Date of entry into force: 2013-09-01 | BHR-2013-R-95215

An additional phrase added to the end of Article (1) of Order No. 26 of 2008 concerning the fees that are imposed on employers for work permits and for the renewal of residence permits for family members of migrant workers and on foreign employers,provides as follows: " Granting the employer a monthly 5 (BD) discount on the fees that are paid for the first five employees".

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 4 of 2013 amending some provisions of Order No. 76 of 2008 with respect to regulating work permits of foreigners other than domestic workers. -

Adoption: 2013-08-15 | Date of entry into force: 2013-08-16 | BHR-2013-R-95193

Article 10 and Article 13(b) of Order No. 76 of 2008 concerning regulating work permits of foreigners other than domestic workers are replaced and amended as follows:

Article 10: "A work permit will be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of arrival of the foreign worker into the Kingdom of Bahrain or date of payment of the fees as the case may be, the work permit may be at the request of the employer limited to a period of one year for half the associated price. The LMRA may renew the work permit if requested by the employer for another 6 months for the associated price at the end of the first year of employment. In all cases the work permit may be renewed for a duration or any other durations as per the requirement of the employer or his authorized person in a format issued by the LMRA for this purpose, manually or online , not exceeding 180 days prior to the expiry of the work permit. The renewal request must include all information and accompanied by the documents in the requested format and should meet the terms and conditions of Article 2 of this Order.".

Article 13(b): "The termination of the work permit as the request of the employer or the desertion of the employee from work in violation of the work permit, the LMRA must inform the employer or his authorized person of the decision and the reason to terminate allowing the employer 2 days time from receipt of the notification to respond . If after scrutinizing the response there is no ground for retaining the work permit the LMRA will proceed to terminate it and inform the employer or the authorized person of its decision immediately.
The concerned person can file a grievance against the LMRA decision at the office of the LMRA Chief Executive Officer in line with article 33 of the decree regulating the LMRA. All notification and responses mentioned afore may be done through the postal service or by electronic means.".

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 1 of 2013 regulating Employers' Records. -

Adoption: 2013-07-18 | Date of entry into force: 2013-07-19 | BHR-2013-R-95436

All business Proprietors who employ expatriate workers must hold a record dedicated to expatriate workers and log in it the following:

1. Name of worker, nationality, Date of birth,qualifications, job description or profession Place of residence and all information related to his identity.
2. Nature and type of work for which they are designated.
3. Date of arrival in the Kingdom at the start of employment.
4. Duration of work permit.
5. Duration of work contract, if specified.
6. The wage agreed on, payment mode and payment due date and all financial and in-kind benefits, employee's bank account number to deposit the wages in, and the Business proprietor's bank account details.
7. Any licenses obtained from concerned authorities, if the expatriate worker practices a profession that requires a specific license.
8. Any changes that may occur to the employment relationship that would affect the rights and obligations of either party, or the continuity of the employment relationship.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Decree No. 26 of 2008 on fees imposed on employers for work permits and for the renewal of residence permits for family members of migrant workers and on foreign employers.

Adoption: 2008-06-05 | Date of entry into force: 2008-07-01 | BHR-2008-R-83211

Employers have the obligation to pay fees for the issuance of a work permit for the family members of their foreign workers. It also imposes monthly fees of 10 Dinars on each foreign employer. The Decree also sets out fees for work permits, entry and departure visas to the Kingdom, residency permits, as well as for a medical reports and an ID cards.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Resolution No. 77 of 2008 with respect to the employer's obligations in case a foreign worker abandons the employment in violation of the work permit conditions.

Adoption: 2008-05-18 | Date of entry into force: 2008-05-30 | BHR-2008-M-81815

In the case where a foreign worker abandons employment in violation to the work permit's condition, an employer shall notify the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) (Article 1). The foreign workers visa will be canceled after verifying the abandonment of the employment in violation of the work permit's conditions (Article 2). Subject to the LMRA Law, article 27(b), the cancellation of a work permit shall not prevent an employer from incurring the repatriation expenses (Article 3).

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Resolution No. 76 of 2008 with respect to regulating work permits of foreigners other than domestic workers. (لقرار رقم (76) لسنة 2008 بشأن تنظيم تصاريح عمل الأجانب من غير فئة خدم المنازل.)

Adoption: 2008-05-18 | Date of entry into force: 2008-07-01 | BHR-2008-M-81816

Provides the conditions that need to be fulfilled in order to issue a work permit to an employer. It is to be filed with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) by the employer. Gives particulars as to the validity of the permits (in general two years), conditions that the employer has to observe in order to employ a foreign worker as well as the duties of foreign workers and the cancellation of a permit. Repeals the Resolution No. 71 of 2007 concerning work permits for Government employed foreigners.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Resolution No. 78 of 2008 with respect to amending certain provisions of resolution No. 76 of 2008 with respect to regulating work permits of foreigners other than domestic workers.

Adoption: 2008-05-18 | BHR-2008-M-82342

Repeals and replaces articles 2(4) (violation of obligations imposed by the law) and 10 (period of validity of work permits) of Resolution No. 76 of 2008.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Law, Act

Law No. 31 of 2005 with respect to social insurance for Bahrainis working abroad and similar persons.

Adoption: 2005-08-15 | BHR-2005-L-73045

Provides that Bahraini workers working abroad with an employer not subject to the Social Insurance Law have the right to request to benefit from the provisions of this law if they fulfil the conditions set out in this Law (art. 2 and 4). It covers insurance against old age, disability and death (art. 3). A special fund is to be kept for this purpose with the Social Insurance Fund (art. 5). The Law also sets out the modalities for contributions and payment of benefits.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Ministerial Order No. 19 of 2004 with repsect to amending Ministerial Order No. 9 of 1994 with repsect to the duration of Foreign Workers' Work Permit, Renewal Procedures and Prescribed Fees.

Adoption: 2004 | BHR-2004-R-70219

Amends article 5 bis of the 1994 Order concerning the renewal of temporary work permits for a further six months.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Ministerial Order No. 21 with respect to organizing transfer cases for certain categories of expatriate workers.

Adoption: 2001-06-25 | BHR-2001-R-65604

Concerns the transfer of workers to work with another employer in certain cases under prescribed conditions.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Miscellaneous (circular, directive, legal notice, instruction, etc.)

Ministerial Resolution No. 193/1999, Concerning Granting Residence Permits to Aliens Sponsored by Individuals. -

Adoption: 1999 | BHR-1999-M-83308

Provides for the conditions to be fulfilled by a foreigner in order to obtain a residency permit for Bahrain.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 10 of 1995 to amend Order No. 9 of 1994 of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to specify the duration of work permits for non-Bahraini workers, procedures for their renewal and applicable fees.

Adoption: 1995-12-09 | Date of entry into force: 1996-01-01 | BHR-1995-R-42991

Specifies new fees for issuing and renewing permits.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs No. 2 of 1995 to amend certain provisions of Order No. 14 of 1994 of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to provide for the non-renewal or withdrawal of foreign workers' work permits and for exemptions therefrom in certain cases.

Adoption: 1995-04-25 | Date of entry into force: 1995-05-03 | BHR-1995-R-40998

Amends section 1, subsection 5, so as to tighten control over the "sponsorship" relationship between foreign workers and the employer who originally obtains this work permit and visa to Bahrain.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 21 of 1994 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, to specify the conditions and procedures to be observed in contracts concluded by employers with intermediaries for the procurement of non-Bahraini labour from abroad.

Adoption: 1994-07-18 | Date of entry into force: 1994-07-20 | BHR-1994-R-40272

Contracts between employers and labour-importing agents must be in writing and conform to the model annexed to the Order, specifying inter alia the worker's country of origin, age, the nature of the work, wages etc. Two model contracts of employment are also annexed to the Order, one which is specially designed for domestic servants. Neither the employer nor the agent may charge foreign workers any fee in consideration for their employment. The agent bears full responsibility for the conformity of workers with the employer's requirements. The Order also gives the licensing fees for opening labour-importing agencies. Supersedes Order No. 17 on the same subject.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 14 of 1994 of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to provide for the non-renewal or withdrawal of foreign workers' work permits and for exemptions therefrom in certain cases

Adoption: 1994-04-26 | Date of entry into force: 1994-05-04 | BHR-1994-R-40023

A foreign worker's work permit may not be renewed or may be withdrawn in a number of specified cases, including where the Ministry deems the worker to be competing for employment with Bahraini workers, where he is medically unfit,and where his employer has failed to comply with the State's "Bahrainization" plans. Exemptions from work permit requirements may be granted for temporary work connected with events such as fairs and exhibitions etc., and to cope with unusual increases in the employer's workload. Employers must inform the Ministry whenever a foreign worker leaves his service prior to the expiry of his permit.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 8 of 1994 of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to specify the conditions for obtaining work permits for non-Bahraini workers.

Adoption: 1994-03-16 | Date of entry into force: 1994-03-30 | BHR-1994-R-40026

Employers wishing to hire foreign workers must apply to the Labour Administration using the form annexed to the Order. They must prove that they genuinely need such workers. Permits will be granted only for workers who are not in labour market competition with Bahrainis. Enterprises using foreign experts must make every effort to appoint competent Bahraini "assistants" for such experts and train them in the latter's work.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Order No. 9 of 1994 of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to specify the duration of Foreign Workers' Work Permit, Renewal Procedures and Prescribed Fees.

Adoption: 1994-03-16 | Date of entry into force: 1994-03-30 | BHR-1994-R-40027

Work permits are valid for two years and are renewable subject to medical clearance.

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Law, Act

Legislative Decree No. 6 of 1991 to establish a Pension Fund for Bahraini and non-Bahraini Officers and Members of the Bahrain Defence and Public Security Force.

Adoption: 1991-02-18 | Date of entry into force: 1991-02-20 | BHR-1991-L-26709

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Amiri Decree Law No. 4 of 1984 amending certain provisions of Amiri Decree Law No. 3 of 1983 concerning the treatment to be afforded Gulf Cooperation Council Member States nationals. -

Adoption: 1984-02-29 | BHR-1984-R-65598

Amends article 1 (areas of economic activities concerned) and article 2 (occupations concerned).

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Amiri Decree Law No. 3 of 1983 concerning the treatment to be afforded Gulf Cooperation Council Member States nationals in respect of economic activities in Bahrain. -

Adoption: 1983-01-26 | BHR-1983-R-65600

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Ministerial Order No. 21 of 1978 (Insurance) respecting determination of the cases for which pensions shall be paid abroad by the General Organization for Social Insurance to those normally resident in the State of Bahrain.

Adoption: 1978-08-07 | BHR-1978-R-7220

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Law, Act

Amiri Decree-Law No. 12 of 1977 respecting the suspension of the application of certain provisions of the Law on Social Insurance to non-Bahrainis

Adoption: 1977-05-03 | Date of entry into force: 1977-05-14 | BHR-1977-L-7193

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Law, Act

Amiri Decree-Law No. 27 of 1976 to amend sections 38 and 139 of the Social Insurance Law.

Adoption: 1976-08-25 | BHR-1976-L-7192

Bahrain - Migrant workers - Regulation, Decree, Ordinance

Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Ordinance, 1965

Adoption: 1965-07-01 | BHR-1965-R-57200

Establishes regulations pertaining to immigration and residence in Bahrain. Sets the conditions under which landed immigrant status may be granted. Provides for the approval of residence permits. Establishes that the Labour Department is to issue permits with regard to authorization for aliens to work in Bahrain. Regulates the granting of leave. Governs appeals pertaining to immigration or residence decisions. Establishes the conditions under which aliens may be deported. Sets penalties for offences. Makes supplemental provisions.