By SOMAN BABY

MANAMA

OFFICIALS are disappointed by the low number of expatriates turning out to register at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), during the first two days of its festival.

The Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), where the enrolment festival was opened on Wednesday, has a capacity to register about 7,000 people daily.

However, only 4,730 people turned out during the first day, said LMRA e-services and acting public relations manager Waheed Al Balushi.

Among them were 2,558 Indians, 1,216 Bangladeshis, 372 Pakistanis, 219 Filipinos, 110 Nepalese, 58 Sri Lankans and 197 others.

“The number was well below our target and the response is not encouraging,” Mr Al Balushi told the GDN.

“We are doing our best to help the people, but they are not co-operating. We do not want all people to come at the last minute.

“The festival will close on June 21, and if all those who have not registered turn up just before the deadline, we may find it extremely difficult to oblige them.”

The LMRA has already enrolled more than 270,000 expatriates, out of a total estimated number of around 500,000.

The aim of the festival is to complete the registration of all expatriates in Bahrain, said Mr Al Balushi.

“There are 30 counters, with special areas for families and disabled people,” he added.

An appointment system has been introduced to try to avoid overcrowding or a repeat of the chaos experienced at some enrolment centres last month.

“People who want to enrol during the morning hours should visit the centre between 6.30am and 8.30am,” said Mr Al Balushi .

“Those for the afternoon and evening sessions should report between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

“Once the number reaches about 3,500 for each session, the hall will be closed.”

People visiting the centre after the hall is closed will be given an appointment card.

However, the hall remained open throughout during the first two days, as there was no big rush.

“We advise companies which want to enrol their workers to send their representatives to collect the appointment cards,” he added.

“Companies can also take appointment for their workers in groups for different days.

“They can contact our call centre on 17506055 on working days or write to us. A representative can then collect the appointment cards.”

The enrolment centres in Saar, Sanabis, Hidd and Sitra have already been closed.

The festival counters will remain open until midnight each day. including Fridays and Saturdays.

The LMRA has drafted in 40 temporary staff for the registration project as well as to serve companies which approach it to cleanse the data of their workers.

Parents did not need to take their children along, but would need to fill in a form giving their details.

From July 1, enrolment with LMRA will become mandatory for official transactions.

Registration is important for renewing work visas and for travel related purposes.