Flexi-work permit scheme launched by LMRA
A PILOT project that allows expatriates working in the country illegally to sponsor themselves has been launched.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) yesterday announced the start of a nationwide campaign to promote the flexi-work permit scheme, which gives foreigners the opportunity to work full or part-time with multiple employers.
A total of 2,000 new permits will be issued monthly as part of the scheme that aims to offer a legal alternative to employing so-called ‘free visa’ workers.
Expats will be responsible for their own fees including the BD200 work visa fee, BD144 healthcare fee, a BD30 monthly fee, and a onetime deposit of BD90 to ensure travel tickets can be refunded in case a worker wishes to return home.
“We have launched our campaign across the country to promote the flexible work permit that allows illegal workers who meet the set conditions to live and work in the country,” LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi told the GDN.
“Every worker under this scheme will be issued a blue card with his photograph that will be renewed every six months free of charge.
“It enables them to work in various non-professional jobs either full or part time with one or multiple employers and also benefiting from free health care at government medical centres.”
He explained that workers would be able to leave and return to the country during the permit duration.
Illegal foreign workers aged below 60 with expired or terminated work permits and even those who had their work permits cancelled by companies are eligible for the scheme.
In addition to the existing fees, Mr Al Absi said there was a onetime BD15 discounted fee to be paid by the person whose residency has expired.
He explained that this meant if a worker has been illegal for two years in Bahrain, he or she has accumulated fines for overstaying their visa.
However, under the scheme they only need to pay BD15 rather than large sum of pending dues under the previous system.
“Our teams will start taking appointments at Sitra Industrial Area branch on July 23, but as a pilot project we will be issuing limited permits ahead to test our systems,” added Mr Al Absi.
He urged illegal workers to visit the LMRA’s website, lmra.bh, or send a text message to 33150150 to check if they are eligible for the scheme.
Mr Al Absi explained that the LMRA would respond to the applicant with two text messages; the first confirming the eligibility of the worker and the second specifying the date and time of the appointment.
“The flexible permit will also help protect labour rights and prevent them from any exploitation or trafficking attempts,” he added.
“We are also branding the flexible work permit through a special logo which will be promoted by our volunteers, road signs, embassies and civil societies.”
The scheme was endorsed by the Cabinet last year and 48,000 permits are expected to be issued over the next two years. For more information, contact LMRA’s flexible work permit call centre on 17103103.