Efforts to fight business violations stepped up

THE government has ramped up efforts to combat CR concealment and commercial cover-up in an effort to protect the economy, revealed a top minister.

Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani said 1,191 inspections had been carried out since 2021 to curb the illegal activity, which could result in low-quality products sweeping the market and expatriates monopolising certain sectors.

“A total of 106 commercial registrations (CRs) registered were found suspicious and 59 of them referred to the Public Prosecution,” he said in a written response to a question by Shura Council member Sabah Al Dossary.

“There are no fake CRs under the ministry, but what we are facing is commercial cover-up, which is why a joint campaign to combat them was launched in collaboration with the Bahrain Chamber in 2021. It continues to this day,” said Mr Alzayani.

“Combatting commercial cover-up is necessary to preserve the national economy.

“Expatriates cannot pursue commercial activities by using a Bahraini’s personal information, licence or CR, and enabling such a business is illegal. Commercial cover-up is a crime that is punishable by law.”

Mr Alzayani also highlighted negative impacts of CR concealment, which includes increase in cases of fraud, low quality products and services entering the Bahraini market as well as profits being transferred abroad.

He also stated that such actions create an unfair, unhealthy and illegal competition in the market, which leads to expatriates monopolising certain sectors and exposing Bahraini investors to legal ramifications.

“We have conducted awareness and educational campaigns targeting those carrying out such illegal activities. We informed them about the negative impact of concealment as well as legal and social ramifications, which include financial losses, bankruptcy, court verdicts and imprisonment,” added Mr Alzayani.

“Inspection campaigns have also been intensified at all commercial establishments to ensure they are adhering to the law and rectifying violations, while also incorporating modern technology to assist in the drive.”

Mr Alzayani said complaints are registered by the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry’s Inspection Directorate.

Meanwhile, Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan, who is also the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman, told Mr Al Dossary that inspections are ongoing across all governorates to ensure labour laws are implemented properly.

“LMRA collaborated with the Labour and Social Development Ministry to develop a process for expatriate employment from abroad. LMRA grants approval only after 21 days so that employers can place adverts for local transfer in the newspapers,” said Mr Humaidan in the written response.

“This process aims to reduce recruitment from abroad while stimulating the employment of expatriates in Bahrain in a faster and more direct manner. It also saves money for employers.”

 

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1048941/Efforts-to-fight-business-violations-stepped-up

 

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