As the UAE scraps its no-objection letter for skilled employees moving jobs, Mark Atkinson examines the labour liberalisation movement in the region. By Mark Atkinson, February 2011
The no objection letter (NOC)has perhaps been the most poignant legacy in the labour law – and in the opinion of many, the one in most urgent need of reform. In a recent decision by the UAE government, employees with a minimum high school certificate qualification will be able to move jobs without a NOC from their current employer. Continue reading
Category Archives: Newspapers
Over 90% of LMRA records complete
Staff Reporter
The biometric information of over 90 per cent of expatriate workers in Bahrain has been collected by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Biometric information including the fingerprints, photographs and electronic signatures of every expatriate worker whose visa is issued by the authority, is colected and stored in an LMRA database. Continue reading
What to do in case Employer has taken the passport and refusing to give it back
My employer/sponsor has taken my passport and is refusing to give it back to me even after I demanded it, citing that it is ” a company policy” or that it is detained for”safe-guarding”
Although this is out of LMRA’s jursidication, please note that the laws of Bahrain stipulate the following Continue reading
Legal Voice
I am already a resident in bahrain, is there a wayto check my visa? And how can I stay informed of any changes to my status at LMRA?
LMRA, has created the expat portal, for expats to stay informed and connected with LMRA all the time. Through the expat portal, you will be able to see your details, visa status and expiry date, details of your dependents, etc. Continue reading
Legal Voice
My employer is not paying me my salary / wage / allowances on time, what should I do?
LMRA does not interfere in ssuch matters, which are outside its jurisdiction. Employees are advised to report this case to the Ministry of Labour, which in turn can take it to a court of law. Continue reading
Legal Voice
How can I Track my visa Applications?
You need to get the application numbers (Application ID) from the employer, representative who applied for you or your family. Once you have that Application ID, you can follow – it up online through LMRA’s Web services. Continue reading
Legal Voice
What is foreign employee enrolment?
Foreign employee’s enrolment is a bio-data collection campaign for all foreign employees working in Bahrain and their family members.
Continue reading
Legal Voice
What can I do if my emploer had cancelled my visa while on holiday out of Bahrain? Is this legal?According to “The labour law for the private sector, 1976 promulgated by AMIRI decree no. 23 of 1976′ articles 106 to 119, it is illegal to terminate a worker’s contract (and subsequently his work permit) while worker in onn leave. Continue reading
Legal Voice
What Should I do if I am being subject to verbal or physical abuse or harassment?
This does not fall within the jurisdication of LMRA, as it is an alleged criminal offense.
If somebody is a witness to or a subject to abuse, harassment or any form of attack, Continue reading
Legal Voice
If I have an employment contract for a certain period of time and I resign before my contract expires, can my employer charge me for the work visa and government related fees? No, the employer is not allowed to charge you for work permit/visa fees , but they have the right to sue for damages ( As a result of the breach – or premature cancellation of a time-specified contract ). Continue reading