By SOMAN BABY

THE Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) will start sending invoices from today to companies for the monthly levy of BD10 for each expatriate worker they employ.

The bills are being sent out to more than 55,000 companies which have valid commercial registration, said LMRA e-services and public relations manager Waheed Al Balushi.

“The bills are displayed online and are also being sent by post.

“All companies in Bahrain will receive their bills by post within the coming three to five days, and the payment must be made before the end of the month.”

Companies which have online access to their accounts, with the password provided by the LMRA, can see their bills online, Mr Al Balushi told the GDN.

“We request such companies to make their payment also online. It will help avoid rush at the LMRA headquarters in Sanabis,” he added.

Others can make the payment at the LMRA or at any branch of Ahli United Bank.

The invoices have been prepared according to the list of expats available with LMRA, said Mr Al Balushi.

“We have already sent letters to all the companies showing this list,” he revealed.

“Some of them are coming to us to make corrections. These are companies which have failed to cleanse their data, despite several appeals.”

From next month, invoices will be posted at the beginning of the month, said Mr Al Balushi.

Companies

He warned companies against employing workers whose residence permit has expired for more than 30 days.

“Such workers have no other option but to leave the country,” said Mr Al Balushi.

“Those who leave the country during the one-month grace period have a chance to come back to Bahrain under a work visa issued by the LMRA.

“Those who stay illegally after the grace period will be deported if they are caught, and will be banned from coming back to Bahrain.”

Mr Al Balushi said a local transfer is allowed if the old sponsor cancels the visa and the new sponsor manages to get a new work visa for the applicant within 30 days.

“The applicant who fails to join a new employer within 30 days from cancelling his visa should leave the country,” he noted.

“All employers should get the consent of the employee before renewing his/ her work visa.”