LMRA gets tough

The LMRA board of Directors have ordered the implementation of strict processes for the expatriate workers whose Resident Permits have expired for more than 30 days, which are approximately 40,000 in number including their dependents.They are now requested to approach the General Directorate of Passport Nationality and Residence, voluntarily have their RPs cancelled and leave the country. By doing so, they will be allowed to return to work in the Kingdom.

If they don’t take this opportunity and are caught by the LMRA then they will be deported and banned from returning to the Kingdom on work visa.

This was announced by the Minister of Labour Dr. Majeed Al Al Alawi, chairman of the LMRA board, during its meeting on July 10.

He stated that these strict measures are being adopted since many of the people did not avail the amnesty period when all the laws were frozen and also the many calls, through Press conferences and public announcements made by the LMRA for people to legalise themselves.

Dr Al Alawi stated that this process will start from July 20 from when the monthly fees’ invoices of BD10 will be issued for every expat worker.

It was revealed that 318 applications were made for new work visas out of which 188 were approved and 50 were rejected and the rest are in progress. Around 143 of those applications were online and the average time for processing was 6 days.

There were 549 applications for renewals out of which 24 were rejected, 280 applications were through online services. There were 56 requests for termination out of which 36 were approved and 6 requests for local transfers, which were all completed as per the processes.

The mobility process was discussed during the meeting and it was decided that for the time being the procedures will remain as current until consultations are completed with the concerned bodies.