I WAS recruited by a local business group through a local agent and arrived in Bahrain in mid last year on a contracted salary of BD375 per month along with the usual benefits.

However, after a period of three months, the company reduced my salary by BD125, stating that my performance was not up to the mark.

Though the management was pleased with my work, this sudden development came as a rude shock to me and I felt cheated.

Can the appropriate authority or a labour expert guide me to correct this situation as per local labour laws, as I feel that serious injustice has been done to me?

Secondly, now the sponsor is demanding BD350 as compensation plus cost of repatriation to my country if I want to terminate the employment contract before its completion.

P Shetty

* AN LMRA spokesman said: “Although this inquiry is not within the LMRA’s jurisdiction, as it is a labour dispute that needs to be registered formally at the Labour Ministry, however, if the statement of this person is true, the employer would be in breach of contract.

“The employer cannot reduce the salary stated in the employment contract under any circumstances. Also, the employer cannot demand repatriation costs. Such a demand is in violation of Act (19) (2006). The questioner can refer this dispute to the ministry, and ultimately to the court.”