The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced that it will, in accordance with the law and the Audit Bureau’s directives, begin cancellation of valid work permits issued to establishments that have not paid the monthly fees.LMRA’s Vice President of Operations Ali Alkohiji stated that the Authority has already issued written and electronic communication addressing the employers since late last year highlighting the importance of settling the monthly fees on time, and emphasizing the ramifications of delinquency.

He said: “we are giving a one month public notice, at the beginning of March 2014 the LMRA will cancel all valid visas for employers who did not pay the monthly fees” adding that all administrative and technical preparations have been taken.

Mr. Alkohiji added: “we recognize that the effected workers are victims of their employers’ disregard of the law, and will take all necessary actions within the boundaries of the law to assist them in transferring to alternative employers” going further to say that the Cheif Executive has instructed the relevant departments to liaise with the embassies to that effect. He added that every employee will be able to see if his legal status was affected by the process through visiting the LMRA’s website and entering his or her CPR number, where a special category was created for them.

Finally, he revealed that once the work permits were revoked, it is illegal for these workers to continue working, and that all legal actions will be taken in case inspectors find them on site. He also clarified that the process is irreversible, and that if the employer wishes to rectify it after it took effect, he must in addition to paying the late fees, reapply for the same workers and pay the issuance fee for a new period of two years.