LMRA extends festival deadline

THE Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s (LMRA) enrolment festival is being extended until June 29, it was announced yesterday. The festival, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, was scheduled to end tomorrow.

However, the LMRA has decided to give one more week to people who have not been able to register so far, said e-services and public relations manager Waheed Al Balushi.“We got e-mails from some people that they are away on holiday and would be back before the end of the month,” he told the GDN.

“Others said they are still waiting for their CPRs. The extension will give another chance to all such people.”

More than 80,000 expatriates had registered at the festival by Wednesday, said Mr Al Balushi.

The total enrolled by nationality is: India 40,752, Bangladesh 20,985, Pakistan 6,591, Philippines 3,172, Nepal 2,309, Sri Lanka 994 and others 5,275.

“The fact that a total of 80,078 people registered during the first 15 days of the festival shows that the event was a success,” said Mr Al Balushi.

The enrolment is open from 6.30am to 10.30pm.

“Those who are busy at offices can come either before or after the office hours or during the weekend holidays of Fridays and Saturdays,” said Mr Al Balushi.

For families, only husband and wife need to go.

Those who want to register should take their CPR cards with them.

However, those who have only a statement about their CPR from the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO), should carry another photo ID, such as their passport .

“If there are some expatriates who are worried about their legal status in the country for various reasons, we are ready to help them,” said Mr Al Balushi.

“Such people do not have to fear about enrolment at the festival. In fact, it will only help them in legal matters in future.

“We have a legal advisor at the festival who is ready to help such people.”

The total number of expatriates registered with LMRA is now nearly 340,000.

“We have kept 3,700 chairs in the airconditioned hall to make their registration process most comfortable,” said Mr Al Balushi.

“Out of 32 stations, six are dedicated to families.

“It takes only four minutes for each person to enrol, which includes the recording of fingerprints, photograph and signature.

“During rush hours, it may take a maximum of half an hour for each person to complete the registration formalities.”

Those who fail to register will find it extremely difficult after July 1 to get their official documents processed, including the renewal of their work visas, said Mr Al Balushi.