By SOMAN BABY

A BAN on hiring Bangladeshis might have been lifted, but potential recruits must fight through a cordon of red tape before being allowed into Bahrain once again.

Not only will Bangladeshis now have to provide a certificate of good conduct, but it must be issued by a government authority in Bangladesh and attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain before they can qualify for a visa.

They must also be aged 25 or above, have a health certificate attested by the Bangladesh Embassy and no criminal record.

However, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is now accepting visa applications on behalf of Bangladeshi workers from their potential employers, said chief executive Ali Radhi.

It constitutes the lifting of a ban on recruiting Bangladeshis imposed on May 27.

But candidates must first undergo strict security screening at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) once the LMRA processes their application before a visa is granted.

Those applying for specialised jobs should also submit documents to prove their qualifications and skills, said a GDNPR spokesman.

Bangladesh Embassy charge d’affaires Saiful Islam said he had not yet received official information from the Interior Ministry on the rule change, but welcomed any step in that direction.

“During a recent meeting, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa had promised to consider resuming visas to our nationals,” he told the GDN.

“We are happy to note that it is being resumed. However, we are awaiting official confirmation.”

The ban on Bangladeshis was imposed after a group of MPs called for action following the death of Bahraini Mohammed Jassim Dossary, 38, who was allegedly murdered by a Bangladeshi mechanic during an argument.

It was the latest in a string of murders by Bangladeshis in recent years.

soman@gdn.com.bh