Bahrain: 139 More Deported In LMRA Crackdown. In a continuous effort to maintain the integrity of its labour market, Bahrain has ramped up its inspection campaigns, with significant progress made in identifying and deporting workers involved in labour and residency violations. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is at the forefront of these operations, working in coordination with various government agencies to carry out rigorous inspections throughout the country.
Overview of the Recent LMRA Crackdown
Between June 22 and June 28, 2025, Bahrain witnessed the successful implementation of 741 inspection visits and joint campaigns aimed at stamping out illegal labour practices. These inspections led to the identification of 19 irregular workers and the deportation of 139 expatriates involved in residency violations. The LMRA is committed to ensuring the continued enforcement of these regulations to maintain the country’s social and economic stability.
Coordination with Government Agencies
The LMRA’s inspection efforts are not isolated; they are carried out in collaboration with several key governmental bodies, including the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), police directorates from the respective governorates, the Coastguard, the Social Insurance Organisation, and the Supreme Council for Environment. This coordinated approach ensures that inspections are comprehensive and effective, leaving little room for violations to slip through the cracks.
Regional Focus of Recent Campaigns
As part of the national crackdown, Bahrain’s Southern Governorate saw the highest concentration of joint campaigns, with five conducted in the area. The Northern Governorate followed with three campaigns, while the Capital Governorate and Muharraq Governorate each had two campaigns. This regional distribution highlights the government’s focus on inspecting key areas where irregularities in labour and residency practices have been prevalent.
The statistics demonstrate the scale of these operations. Since the beginning of last year, LMRA has conducted 81,795 inspection visits and 1,151 joint campaigns. These efforts have led to the identification of 3,226 violations, resulting in the deportation of 9,631 workers. This indicates a steady and effective escalation in the enforcement of the law, with an increasing number of violations being detected and dealt with.
The LMRA Commitment to Ensuring Labour Market Stability
Bahrain’s labour market has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the implementation of new regulations designed to curb the misuse of tourist visas and ensure that those entering the country for employment purposes possess the appropriate work permits. The LMRA is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the country’s economic and social security by addressing violations that negatively affect the labour market.
The regulations are intended to reduce reliance on foreign workers for jobs that could be filled by Bahraini citizens. By enforcing stricter rules and targeting irregular workers, the government aims to create more job opportunities for Bahrainis and combat rising unemployment rates. As part of these efforts, the LMRA has also set up a reporting system for the public, encouraging residents and citizens to report any illegal labour practices or violations.
Key Changes in Visa Regulations
A notable aspect of Bahrain’s recent regulatory push is the tougher stance on the conversion of tourist visas into work permits. Historically, many visitors to Bahrain would enter the country on tourist visas and later convert them into work permits. However, these new rules have reduced this practice by more than 87%. A visit visa can no longer be converted into a work or dependent visa without a sponsor. Additionally, for those wishing to convert a sponsored visit visa into a work or dependent visa, the government has imposed a revised fee of BD250, up from the previous BD60.
These changes reflect Bahrain’s efforts to manage the number of expatriates entering the labour market and ensure that all workers are legally documented and properly employed. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure the sustainable growth of the economy while prioritizing employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
The LMRA Strategy to Prevent Violations
The LMRA has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the root causes of labour and residency violations in Bahrain. These strategies include:
- Strict enforcement of work permit regulations: Ensuring that expatriates entering the country do so with valid work permits, which are sponsored by a legitimate employer.
- Regular inspections and joint campaigns: Coordinating with government agencies to conduct regular inspections of businesses and other establishments to detect illegal employment practices.
- Public reporting systems: Empowering citizens and residents to report any violations they may witness or be aware of, helping the authorities in their continuous monitoring efforts.
How Bahrain Actions Are Impacting the Labour Market
The LMRA’s continued crackdown on labour and residency violations is having a substantial impact on Bahrain’s labour market. On one hand, these measures ensure that foreign workers are legally employed, which strengthens the country’s economy. On the other hand, the ongoing crackdown signals to employers and workers alike that the government is serious about enforcing its labour market regulations. As a result, more employers are expected to comply with the rules, and fewer expatriates will be able to work illegally within the kingdom.
| Inspection Period | Total Inspections | Joint Campaigns | Irregular Workers Identified | Workers Deported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22–28, 2025 | 741 | 12 | 19 | 139 |
| Total Since January 2024 | 81,795 | 1,151 | 3,226 | 9,631 |
Public Reporting and Citizen Involvement
The LMRA has made it easier for the public to report violations through its official website (www.lmra.gov.bh) or by calling the designated hotline at 17506055. Additionally, the government has set up Tawasul, a system for submitting complaints and suggestions. This initiative ensures that Bahrainis and expatriates alike can contribute to maintaining a fair and orderly labour market.
FAQs About
How can I report labour violations in Bahrain?
Ans: You can report labour violations through the official LMRA website (www.lmra.gov.bh) or by calling the LMRA hotline at 17506055. Additionally, you can use the Tawasul system for submitting complaints.
What are the consequences of violating Bahrain’s labour laws?
Ans: Violators of Bahrain labour laws, including those working without a valid permit, may face deportation. In recent campaigns, the LMRA has deported over 9,000 workers involved in such violations since January 2024.
How does Bahrain ensure that only qualified workers are hired?
Ans: Bahrain enforces strict regulations to prevent the conversion of tourist visas into work permits. Additionally, employers must sponsor work permits for expatriate workers. The LMRA regularly conducts inspections and joint campaigns with other government agencies to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Conclusion
Bahrain ongoing efforts to combat illegal labour practices and residency violations are integral to maintaining a fair, stable, and competitive labour market. The continuous inspections and strict regulations enforced by the LMRA, in coordination with other governmental bodies, have shown promising results in reducing violations and encouraging employers to hire legally documented workers. These efforts align with the kingdom’s broader goals of promoting job opportunities for Bahrainis and ensuring that its labour market remains robust and secure for years to come.