The efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to develop the work environment have been lauded by an Indonesian parliamentary delegation.

The delegation praised Bahrain’s laws and systems to protect expatriate workers, as well as its legal guarantees for them, which are in accordance with the international conventions and treaties in this regard.

The delegation also commended the efforts being exerted to combat trafficking in persons, in addition to the means to monitor them and track them down.

The Indonesian delegation also discussed the principle of lifting the ban on sending Indonesian domestic helpers to Bahrain thanks to its healthy work environment, as well as its efforts to ensure the rights of expatriate workers and employers alike.

This came as the CEO of the LMRA and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Commission, Ausamah Abdulla Al-Absi, received here today a delegation of Regional Representative Council in Indonesia, led by MP Fahira Idris, alongside MPs Ahmed Qarata and Abdulrahman Bu-Majeed.

The meeting is within the visit of the Indonesian delegation to the Council of Representatives to enhance bilateral relations in various fields.

Al-Absi highlighted the kingdom’s efforts to develop the labour market, citing the package of laws and decisions approved by Bahrain to ensure the protection for expatriate workers.

Al-Absi highlighted the establishment of a centre to support and protect expatriate workers, noting that it is the first centre to provide integrated services to expatriate workers, and includes a centre to provide shelter for the victims or potential victims of trafficking in persons.

A film highlighting the role of the centre in serving expatriates, including the consulting, medical, psychological and legal services provides for the victims as well as its efforts to support to victim to find a new job or go back to their home country, was shown.

Al-Absi briefed the delegation about the kingdom’s efforts to improve the labour market and maintain a healthy work environment that ensures the rights of all sides, citing the awareness-raising efforts of workers ever since they arrive at the Bahrain International Airport, as well as LMRA’s constant contacts with them through mobile phones to inform them about their legal status.

He pointed out that there about 12,343 Indonesian workers in Bahrain, 94 per cent of them in the domestic helpers sector.