Strengthens the Protection of Employees’ Rights and Supports the Stability of the Workplace
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has launched the enhanced version of the Wages Protection System (WPS), aimed at safeguarding the rights of all work parties and ensuring that employee wages are paid on time, supporting contractual stability in the private sector.

H.E. Mr. Nibras Talib, Chief Executive Officer of LMRA and Chairman of the National Committee for Combatting Trafficking in Persons, affirmed that the Authority, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain’s Electronic Network for Financial Transactions (Benefit), and private sector partners, enhanced the WPS to meet the evolving needs of the labour market and enable private sector establishments to facilitate and documenting wage payments without the need for investment in separate financial systems.

He explained that the enhanced version of the system prioritizes the protection of employees’ rights and ensures their stability in a fair and safe work environment. It also supports national companies in managing their financial and administrative operations, contributing to improved human resource management efficiency, reducing operational costs, and promoting the sustainability of private sector establishments.

The LMRA CEO expressed pride in the partnership with Benefit, affirming its role in providing financial solutions and facilities that enable the private sector to pay employee wages electronically through approved bank accounts, contributing to reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading work environment.

He noted that the Wages Protection System (WPS) is a key national priority for safeguarding the rights of all parties, emphasizing the Authority’s commitment to enhancing the system due to its positive impact on reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a stable and attractive destination for business and investment.

The LMRA CEO added that the Wages Protection System (WPS) plays a vital role in supporting small and micro establishments by helping to minimize wage-related disputes and expedite their resolution, which strengthens operational stability and enhances job security. He encouraged employers to utilize the system for electronic wage payments to maximize efficiency and urged employees to activate their bank accounts to ensure smooth and transparent transactions.

In this context, Nibras Talib commended the cooperation of the banks and financial institutions that participated in the system’s pilot phase, highlighting their continued support in ensuring successful technical alignment and integration. He emphasized that this collaboration reflects a strategic partnership between the government and the private sector in advancing the digital infrastructure of the labour sector.

Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, expressed the company’s pride in serving as a strategic partner to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in the development of the Enhanced Wages Protection System, describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening the stability of the labour market, safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders, and enabling the private sector to adopt secure and efficient payment systems.

Mr. AlJanahi stated, “This partnership with LMRA reflects BENEFIT’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with government and regulatory entities to develop innovative financial solutions. It also aligns with Bahrain’s national vision to reinforce its position as a leading regional hub for labour rights protection and the adoption of advanced technologies that ensure wage security across all sectors.” 

Mr. AlJanahi further added, “We are confident that the Enhanced Wages Protection System will play a pivotal role in facilitating the electronic payment of wages directly through bank accounts, without imposing additional burdens on employers or requiring the implementation of special regulations. At BENEFIT, we look to the future with confidence in the long-term impact of this advanced system, which ensures the regular and transparent payment of wages in line with leading international standards. The initiative promotes a culture of accountability and professionalism within the Kingdom’s institutional work environment and stands as a distinguished model for electronic payment systems that strengthen the national economy and enhance investor confidence.”

The WPS enables employers to pay employee wages through banks and financial institutions approved by the Central Bank of Bahrain, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective oversight.

The Authority has completed trial procedures to align the systems of several banks and financial institutions with the WPS to ensure service quality and efficiency, while the remaining institutions are being integrated ahead of the full-scale implementation in the first quarter of 2026.

In addition, LMRA has announced monthly training workshops in Arabic and English targeting employers and HR personnel in the private sector. Workshop details and schedules are available on the Authority’s website.

For more information, visit www.lmra.gov.bh or contact LMRA’s Call Centre at 17506055.