Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan has hailed initiatives launched to upgrade the flexi-work visa policy.

He stressed the importance of the measures which aim to reinvigorate the labour market’s competitiveness, generate jobs, boost Bahrainis’ employability and protect expatriates’ rights against exploitation.

He announced that inspections would be stepped up to ensure self-employed flexi-work permit holders do not engage in other professional activities, unless authorised, and prevent runaway workers from benefiting from the scheme.

He said measures would be taken within six months to regulate the situation of expatriates who combine flexi-work permits and commercial registers.

In a statement yesterday, the minister said SMSs encouraging expatriates to apply for the scheme would be halted.

Registration of vehicles used in the construction sector and transportation buses would be stopped for holders of flexi-work permits.

Mr Humaidan pointed out that a committee set up would assess the flexi-work system and tackle wrong practices and violations to preserve the rights of all sides.