Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved a flexible work permit Decision.
It follows recommendations from the Coordinating Committee led by Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.
The Decision specifies the procedures for developing a permit policy for a foreign employer to practice some professional activities.

The aim is to develop this system and activate it in order to develop the labour market systems and its monitoring in the country. It is also aimed at enhancing job opportunities for citizens to make the country the first choice for employment, protect workers’ rights and prevent them from being exploited.
The procedures for developing the policy include intensifying inspection campaigns on foreign employers to ensure they do not work in professional activities which a foreign employer may not engage in without obtaining a permit. Inspection campaigns on informal workers will also be intensified to ensure the relevant measures are complied with.

Workers who do not comply with the regulatory procedures will not be able to apply for the flexible work permit and the registration of industrial motor vehicles used in construction and transport buses owned by holders of a flexible work permit will be terminated.

A committee consisting of representatives from the Labour and Social Development Ministry, the Finance and National Economy Ministry, the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry, the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry, the Electricity and Water Affairs Ministry, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, BCCI and the Education and Training Quality Authority will be established. They will propose regulatory standards for 20 identified professions and any other professions the committee considers relevant to include. They will also share recommendations with the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training within two months.