By Soman Baby

MANAMA

COMPANIES are still lagging behind in providing up-to-date information on their expatriate workers to labour authorities, it was revealed yesterday. Sixty three per cent of companies and other employers in Bahrain have registered with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

However, between them they have updated information on only 14pc of the country’s expatriate workforce, said LMRA acting public relations and e-services manager Waheed Al Balushi.

Out of more than 60,000 companies and organisations in Bahrain, only 36,152 registered with the LMR, he told the GDN.

“These include government entities, commercial and non-commercial organisations and non-government bodies,” said Mr Al Balushi.

“However, the number of individuals whose data with us has been cleansed is only 68,427, or 14pc, out of a total of 485,521 expatriate individuals whose data should be cleansed before July 1.”

It is the responsibility of the employers to cleanse the data of their employees with LMRA, which, will start issuing work visas on July 1, said Mr Al Balushi.

“We want to remind both employers and employees that they will be losers if they fail to register and cleanse the data,” he added.

“Applications from such companies and individuals will not be processed by LMRA.”

Mr Al Balushi said companies should present photocopies of their employees’ passports and CPR cards at the LMRA.

“It may take a week or two, and sometimes even a month for the verification process to be completed,” he added.

“Therefore, it is better to file the applications early.

“A password is given to all companies which register and to check their Bahrainisation percentage on our website.

“The password can also be used to check the accuracy of their data. We welcome feedback from such companies.”

The LMRA board has approved the Bahrainisation percentage required for the private sector in Bahrain, based on the nature of their activities.

The LMRA will be accepting applications from companies and individuals to cleanse their data at the Gulf International Job and Career Fair, opening at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) tomorrow.

Also, there will be a desk to enrol expatriates with LMRA.

Interested companies and individuals should visit BIEC tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, between 9am and 1pm and 4pm and 9pm.

The Labour Fund will be accepting applications from companies which are willing to train Bahrainis as well as from Bahraini individuals who are looking for training at the fair during these days.