By SOMAN BABY<\/p>\n
A BAN on hiring Bangladeshis might have been lifted, but potential recruits must fight through a cordon of red tape before being allowed into Bahrain once again.<\/p>\n
Not only will Bangladeshis now have to provide a certificate of good conduct, but it must be issued by a government authority in Bangladesh and attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain before they can qualify for a visa.<\/p>\n
They must also be aged 25 or above, have a health certificate attested by the Bangladesh Embassy and no criminal record.<\/p>\n
However, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is now accepting visa applications on behalf of Bangladeshi workers from their potential employers, said chief executive Ali Radhi.<\/p>\n
It constitutes the lifting of a ban on recruiting Bangladeshis imposed on May 27.<\/p>\n
But candidates must first undergo strict security screening at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) once the LMRA processes their application before a visa is granted.<\/p>\n
Those applying for specialised jobs should also submit documents to prove their qualifications and skills, said a GDNPR spokesman.<\/p>\n
Bangladesh Embassy charge d’affaires Saiful Islam said he had not yet received official information from the Interior Ministry on the rule change, but welcomed any step in that direction.<\/p>\n
“During a recent meeting, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa had promised to consider resuming visas to our nationals,” he told the GDN.<\/p>\n
“We are happy to note that it is being resumed. However, we are awaiting official confirmation.”<\/p>\n
The ban on Bangladeshis was imposed after a group of MPs called for action following the death of Bahraini Mohammed Jassim Dossary, 38, who was allegedly murdered by a Bangladeshi mechanic during an argument.<\/p>\n
It was the latest in a string of murders by Bangladeshis in recent years.<\/p>\n
soman@gdn.com.bh<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By SOMAN BABY A BAN on hiring Bangladeshis might have been lifted, but potential recruits must fight through a cordon of red tape before being allowed into Bahrain once again. Not only will Bangladeshis now have to provide a certificate … Continue reading