The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior announced the deportation of 5,300 workers who violated residency laws, in the period from October to December 2022.

In this regard, LMRA announced that during the same period, more than 7,153 inspection campaigns and visits were conducted, where 731 criminal violations were referred to the Public Prosecution, including 257 violations committed by employers, and 474 by workers. LMRA noted that in the same period it referred 62 forced labour cases to the Public Prosecution. The total penalties collected from these violations amounted to BD 253,000 it added.

LMRA outlined the frequency of inspection visits conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant government entities increased by 33% in comparison with the same period in 2021, reaching 7,037 visits. The Authority also outlined that joint inspection campaigns increased by 66% compared with the same period of last year, reaching 116 joint inspection campaigns.

The Authority affirmed its commitment to implement its role in regulating the labour market and maintaining a work environment that enjoys high productivity, fairness and competitiveness. In this regard, the LMRA explained that it will continue its efforts to ensure Bahrain maintains its investment friendly environment while protecting the rights of all parties.

The LMRA expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Interior represented by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence and Police Directorates, as well as the Public Prosecution and other government entities for their joint efforts.

The Authority stressed on preserving a fair, safe, and productive work environment that conforms with international labor standards, by confronting illegal practices, including combating all forms of trafficking in persons and forced labour.

LMRA called on all members of society to support the efforts of the government to address illegal practices in the labour market and irregular employment in order to protect society, and to report any complaints related to labour market violations and irregular employment through the authority’s official website www.lmra.bh or call centre 17506055 or contacting “NPRA” on 17077077 or visit “NPRA” official website: www.npra.gov.bh or submitting inquiries through the National Suggestion & Complaint system “Tawasul”.