By Soman Baby<\/p>\n
THE number of clearing agency offices working with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has reached more than 1,200.<\/p>\n
The Clearing Agents Association has forged stronger links with LMRA, said vice-president Ali Hasan Alsankis. “The number of offices increased from 750 to more than 1,200 in a short span of three to four months because of the increased workload,” he told the GDN.<\/p>\n
“Each of the office employs one to 10 people and all are Bahrainis.<\/p>\n
“We want to thank the government for responding to our demand to accept only Bahrainis as clearing agents.<\/p>\n
“However, we shall continue to seek the assistance of expatriate staff in the personnel and human resources departments of various offices.”<\/p>\n
Mr Alsankis thanked LMRA chief executive Ali Radhi, who has allocated a room at the LMRA headquarters for the association members to meet.<\/p>\n
“The LMRA is also providing e-support to our association by training its members on the use of its online services,” he added.<\/p>\n
Mr Alsankis said one of the problems they experience was the last-minute submission of visa renewal applications for employees by their respective employers.<\/p>\n
“The LMRA has made it clear that application for renewal can be submitted six months before the expiry of the visa,” he noted.<\/p>\n
“Still, many employers wait till the last month to submit applications. If they do it earlier, it will reduce our workload and make things smoother.”<\/p>\n
Mr Alsankis said the association would elect a new managing committee during its general assembly on March 27.<\/p>\n
“One of the priorities of the new committee will be to have its own headquarters,” he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Soman Baby THE number of clearing agency offices working with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has reached more than 1,200. The Clearing Agents Association has forged stronger links with LMRA, said vice-president Ali Hasan Alsankis. “The number of … Continue reading