Manama: Expats with travel bans are to be allowed to obtain work permits under a historic new ruling.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced on November 7 that it has reached an agreement with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry regarding expats with a court-ordered travel ban, where they will be allowed to obtain a work permit and subsequently legalise their presence in the kingdom.
The deal pertains to those who are under a court-ordered travel ban due to financial debt or civil claims and are barred from leaving the kingdom until these debts are settled.LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi, who also chairs the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons, thanked Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa for the humanitarian gesture, which will give a large number of expatriates the opportunity to rectify their legal position, earn a living and pay their debts in a manner corresponding with the laws of Bahrain, and at the same time protecting them from being exploited.
“There will be no additional requirements or paperwork by the LMRA for applications relating to such cases; it will be received and handled like any other application, and they can apply for either renewal of their work permits, or a new work permit with a new employer under the mobility procedure,” Mr Al Absi said.
“While the agreement with the ministry is valid indefinitely, it comes while there are still seven weeks remaining in the amnesty period, thus providing a great opportunity for expatriates to sort out their legal situation without further penalties or fees,” he said.
More than 25,000 illegal workers have secured legitimate employment or have left the country with the possibility of returning in the future under new legal employment.
Mr Al Absi also urged illegal workers who have decided to go back home during the amnesty not to delay their travel until the last minute and to book their plane tickets early – with prices expected to increase in December.
“December is a busy month for the airlines, and seats are not guaranteed on flights if they delay their departure. Meanwhile, the amnesty expires on December 31 without extensions or exceptions,” he added. – Gulf Digital News via Migrant Forum of Asia
