Bahrain’s Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has announced an amnesty for illegal immigrants from now until December 31, 2020. Illegal immigrants will not be required to pay any fines to regularize their residency status or leave the country.
The LMRA also eliminated monthly work permit fees and fees related to the issuance and renewal of work permits for three months starting April 1, 2020. This measure is intended to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employers and promote the hiring of casual and casual workers.
The LMRA also announced a 60-78% reduction in flexi permit fees. Flexi permits now cost BD 167 (USD 443) per year, with renewal fees of BD 72 (USD 191). Previously, the annual fee was BD 427, with renewal fees of BD 322.
Flexi-Permit holders will not be charged the monthly fee until the end of June. LMRA’s Flexi-Permit website has been updated accordingly. This measure is particularly beneficial for those who already hold a Flexi-Permit but cannot afford to pay the renewal fee due to the current economic downturn and job losses, as well as those who want to regularize their status but are unable to find full-time employment.
Flexi-permit applications are done remotely, but migrants are required to appear in person to collect their Flexi-permit and provide biometric information. Non-standard workers do not need a passport to apply.
The amnesty and reduction in flexi-permit fees are welcome measures that will relieve some of the pressure on migrant workers. Nevertheless, workers and flexi-permit holders (effectively freelancers) remain highly vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Casual workers are unlikely to be able to find new employment during the crisis, and many flexi-permit holders are likely to struggle to pay rent and buy food.
In times of crisis like these, it is particularly important that social assistance covers low-income migrant workers who need basic support such as food, water and shelter.
