NEW work permits will be issued again from today, but housemaids will not be included.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) had announced last week it would start accepting requests for new work permits which have been suspended since March.

However, LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi said yesterday it will not include domestic servants.

“The new work permits which will begin being issued on Sunday does not include housemaids,” said a statement.

“Workers can find jobs – only if the job offers have been advertised for two weeks.
“In addition, employers cannot take money to transfer a housemaid to another employer because it will be illegal.

“Any person who is asked to pay money for this should report the issue to the LMRA.
“If the domestic servant is transferred to another employer it should be done for free.”
The GDN earlier reported that the private sector’s hiring process has been changed by requiring the announcement of vacancies in local newspapers, to allow interested Bahrainis and expatriates residing in the kingdom to apply for jobs for a duration of two weeks.

The LMRA said the decision will help prioritise local hiring.

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs’ (NPRA) service branch in the security complex in Muharraq Governorate will be providing only residency stickers for residents from today 8am to 2pm, while Bahraini passports will be delivered ready at the Isa Town branch during the official working hours of 8am to 2pm.

The NPRA noted that in line with the preventive and precautionary measures against the coronavirus pandemic, those seeking services should book their appointments in advance via the Skiplino app and no-one will be allowed to enter the complex without a prior appointment.