This comes a month after it was declared that flexi-permits, which allowed people to work in freelance roles with multiple employers, would be scrapped.
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From the Web Desk
Published date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 3:55 PM
Last updated: Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 4:19 p.m.
Bahrain has introduced new work permit cards for foreigners, according to local media.
The decision was announced at a press conference on Monday, Bahrain News Agency reported. It was also announced that worker registration centres would be set up across the country and eligible residents could apply for permits at these centres.
The decision comes a month after it was announced that flexi permits, which allowed holders to take up freelance work for multiple employers, would be scrapped, according to Gulf Daily News.
Eligible workers who have valid residency and are not accused of violating the law can apply for the cards at Worker Registration Centres that will soon be set up across the country.
The cards will list an individual’s professional skills and other personal information.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) held a joint press conference with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on the Foreign Workers Registration Programme at the Isa Cultural Centre.
Nouf Jamshir, chief executive of the labour market regulator, said the new permits would be linked to “occupational standards”, meaning workers would have to prove their skills and capabilities to get a job.
The card has a QR code that, when scanned, makes all the information about the worker and his/her proficiency available.
She noted that residents found guilty of violations will not be allowed to apply, and eligible residents will have to pay permit issuance and renewal fees, health insurance and departure fees, in addition to monthly fees and registration costs.
The amount and locations of the new enrollment centers will be announced at a later date.
