A quarter of Labour Market Regulatory Authority invoices have been paid to date, it was revealed.

The LMRA has issued a total 45,000 invoices since the decision to levy fees on expatriate workers took effect last July.

“Payment of monthly fees is pending updating of workers’ data”, LMRA chief executive Ali Radhi yesterday said.

He revealed that 26,924 expatriates working for 3925 companies have had their data updated to date.

He urged foot-dragging companies to honour their late payments to avoid any legal action.

Companies honouring their payments before the 30-day ultimatum have their workers’ data updated automatically.

They will also enjoy other advantages, particularly online processing of their transactions and applications for work permits.

Companies which failed to receive last July’s invoices are required to report to the Sanabis-based LMRA headquarters to finalise payments.