The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) launched the flexible work permit allowing illegal workers – who meet conditions – to work and reside in the Kingdom of Bahrain without a sponsor, in any non-professional job, full or part-time, and with more than one employer, for a renewable two year period. (2000) workers can benefit from the flexible permit each month.

The LMRA’s CEO, Ausamah Alabsi urged illegal workers to ensure that the plan is applicable to them, and the possibility of them benefiting from the flexible permit by visiting the LMRA’s website, using the express service feature, or by sending a text message from their own mobiles to (33150150), including the number of their Identity Card (CPR).

Alabsi stressed the importance of the worker, wishing to benefit from the flexible work permit, being sure of having his passport in his possession with a validity of at least six months, noting that the Authority will respond to the text message with two text messages, the first confirming the eligibility of the worker to benefit from the plan, and the second specifying the date and time of the appointment for the worker to visit to the Authority’s Sitra Industrial Area branch to complete the permit’s procedures.

He pointed out that the appointments will begin at the Authority’s Sitra Industrial Area branch on the 23rd of July, where 2000 permits will be issued per month.

Alabssi explained that once the worker arrives at the Sitra branch on time, the employee will collect the worker’s information and contact number in order for the Authority to stay in contact with him and inform him of all his rights, duties, and all issues related to his residency status.

Regarding the fees to benefit from the plan, he mentioned that workers willing to benefit from the plan will be required to pay a total fee of (449) Dinars, which includes a work permit for two years, health care fees of (144) Dinars for two years, a onetime (90) Dinar deposit to ensure a travel ticket that can be refunded in case the worker wishes to return home, and a one time (15) Dinar discounted fee in order to extend the residency period, the worker will also be required to pay a monthly fee of (30) Dinars only.

Alabsi stated that workers benefiting from the plan would be granted the plan’s Blue Card which identifies them to potential employers, and is renewed every six months free of charge, enabling them to work in various non-professional jobs either full or part-time jobs, with one or more employers, the flexible worker will also benefit from free health care at government centers, he will also be able to leave and return to the country on a regular basis during the work visa’s validity period. The flexible permit will also help protect labor rights and prevent them from any exploitation or trafficking attempts.

He mentioned that there would be coordination with the labor exporting countries’ embassies, clubs, and civil society organizations of expatriate workers to provide all related information regarding the flexible permit.

Alabsi called on workers wishing to benefit from the “flexible permit” not to respond or pay attention to rumors, and to communicate with the Authority regarding any updates at www.lmra.bh, or to contact the flexible work permit call center on 17103103.