I work for the Sitra Bridge Project as a quantity surveyor. I came to Bahrain on September 22, 2007 on a seven-day visa. Then I waited for my RP and CPR until February 12, 2008, but I did not receive them. The Ministry of Works’ Human Resources Department and the LMRA failed to issue my residence permit (RP). Anyhow I went to Sri Lanka on February 12, 2008 and returned to Bahrain with a work visa on March 7, 2008. I received my residence visa on March 25, 2008.

I applied for a family visa last month and received my daughter’s visa on May 4, but did not receive my wife’s visa. Two times, the visa was rejected by GDNPR. I am still waiting for my wife’s visa.

This is a normal situation with visas through the Ministry of Works. This visa delay is not only affecting me but also others involved in the project, which is ultimately affecting the project’s progress due to lack of required staff.

RMD Ratnayake

* An LMRA spokesman said: “Mr Ratnayake had been in touch with our contact centre and we are aware of his issue. We are following up his family’s application with both the GDNPR and the Ministry of Works.

“We have already explained to him on various occasions that he is welcome to write to us or call us at anytime, but we are mandated to only disclose information pertaining to submitted applications to the persons authorised by the various organisations, it is up to the authorised persons in his ministry to formally receive an update from LMRA and inform him accordingly.

“All those who have authorised access to our Expat Management System – EMS can simply track all their applications online.

“Furthermore, others who know the application number can track its status online through our web services without the need for a password, he can ask the authorised person at his ministry to give him the application number.

“As he had mentioned in his letter that his wife’s application had been rejected twice by GDNPR. We would like to confirm that we do not, and cannot interfere with GDNPR’s decisions to accept or reject certain applications. It is entirely up to them, and LMRA cannot comment on behalf of GDNPR.

“His employer can inquire directly at GDNPR if they would like further explanation.”