Bahrain: The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced that 83 cases related to illegal labour practices have been referred to the Public Prosecution, after intensive joint inspection campaigns launched in different governorates.The campaigns were launched following the decision to replace the flexi-permit system. The LMRA affirmed its commitment to provide the appropriate environment for expatriate workers while safeguarding their rights and increasing the effectiveness of their role in economic development.It stressed that it will continue to uphold the law and take action against all violators. It called on employers to abide by the the set regulations and not employ any expatriate worker until the issuance of their work permit.It urged employers not to obtain and keep work permits without the need for them, stressing that no trial periods are permitted prior to completing the work permit issuance procedures. It noted the necessity for the expatriate employee to work at the workplace indicated on the permit or in other branches of the employer that engage in the same activity.It is worth noting that Law No. (19) of 2006 regulating the labour market stipulates that an expatriate is prohibited from engaging in any work in the Kingdom without the issuance of the appropriate work permit, and employers are also prohibited from employing an expatriate employee prior to acquiring the work permit.
Source : BNA