A coordinated sweep by the Labour Ministry, General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) caught 80 illegal domestic workers on Tuesday.Labour Ministry Acting Undersecretary and Labuor Affairs Assistant Undersecretary Dr Mohammed Al Ansari said, “The campaign started early morning and was a complete success which resulted in the arrest of 80 workers who violated the residence laws in the country.

Legal action will now be taken against them.” Domestic workers including 35 women, three men as well as 41 other workers who were on the run and had expired validities of their residence permits in the country were caught. There was also a case of an expired tourist visa.

Dr. Al Ansari said, “The campaign aims to address the problem of employment of the country. There are negative repercussions on the social and economic aspects and even the security of the country. This reflects the government’s keenness on the implementation of the law which in the end, ensures the rights of migrant workers themselves.” He adds that it provides a safer and more appropriate work environment and preserve the rights of all parties. “This is in conformation with international labour standards and human rights and enhances the job security and social status of workers and employers.” Due to the success of the campaign, Dr. Al Ansari thanked the Ministry of the Interior, represented by the GDNPR as well as the LMRA.

He also praised the collaboration and interest shown by the citizens towards the campaign, especially the people of Muharraq on the understanding of the objectives of the national campaign. “We call on all citizens and civil society institutions to cooperate with the competent authorities to confront and address this problem to ensure the safety and stability of the labour market,” Dr. Ansari added. The acting undersecretary also said that there will be more surprise inspection campaigns in the future in other parts of Bahrain.