BAHRAIN has doubled the number of inspectors working at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) as it seeks to crackdown on workers violating the law.

They have been increased from 36 in 2011 to 70, confirmed chief executive Ausamah Al Absi.

“Our inspectors receive extensive training and the total number of inspectors from both genders has reached 70,” he said. Mr Al Absi said inspectors were often thwarted in their attempts to carry out their duties.

“People do not understand the role of these inspectors as they run out from their shops when they see them,” he said.

“For example, there are certain areas where there are more than a hundred small shops and when our guy wearing his uniform walks in then the other shops are empty as people start running.

“We cannot help that.”