Manama The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) will start issuing two types of flexible work permits for expatriates.

LMRA Chief Executive Officer Ausamah Al Absi announced the move as he received Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Alok Kumar.

Al Absi, also Head of National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons, said that 2000 Flexi work permits and Hospitality work permits would be issued monthly – for a two-year period for two professions only.

“The Hospitality flexi-work permits are for expatriates who work in restaurants, hotels, salons and other professions requiring special medical test,” he said. The beneficiaries under the flexi-scheme will be issued with a special card featuring the worker’s photo, data, type of permit and its period of validity.

Al Absi highlighted Bahrain’s keenness on protecting expatriate workers’ rights and its efforts over the past years to enhance the work environment.

He urged the Indian envoy to cooperate with Bahrain’s efforts to protect expatriates from exploitation or human trafficking and preserve their rights.

The ambassador said that the embassy will fully cooperate with the LMRA officials and urged the illegal Indian workers to regulate their situation and benefit from flex-work permit format.