Labour Ministry officials said yesterday that it had nothing to do with the ban decision.

“The ministry is not responsible in specifying the nationalities of workers being brought to Bahrain,” said its public and international relations director Subah Al Dossary.

“Its role is restricted only in issuing temporary work permits.”

He was responding to reports quoting citizens urging it to ban Bangladeshis from entering the country.

“The decision to chose the nationality of the expatriate is up to the employer in co-ordination with the authorities concerned,” said Mr Al Dossary.