'Flexible Work Permit' for expats in Bahrain

Manama : Much to the delight of expatriates in the Kingdom, a recommendation of creating the “Flexible Work Permit,” which provides a legal alternative for the use of non-regular workers, was endorsed by the Cabinet yesterday. It allows expatriates work temporarily in professions that do not require special professional licences. The recommendation was submitted by the Executive Committee, chaired by Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The “Flexible Work Permit” is issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for two years. However, the permit does not cover workers who abscond from their original work or move from one employer to another. The Cabinet session, chaired by Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and attended by Prince Salman, also welcomed the results of the Government Forum 2016, and lauded HRH Crown Prince’s initiative in organising it. Meanwhile, the Cabinet endorsed the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Housing Ministry on refinancing a BD100 million loan that has been used to provide housing loans and finance housing projects since 2006.

At a glance

* A draft law on amending some provisions of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law “CBB Law”, promulgated by Law 64/2006 was approved. Under the amendments, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) will be affiliated with CBB. BIBF is allowed to levy fees on its services.

* A proposal to reorganise the Ministry of Labour and Social Development following the merger of the Labour Ministry and Social Development Ministry was approved.

* The Cabinet also agreed to modify the fees levied by the Precious Metals and Gem Testing Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism on examining and assaying precious gems.

* A draft law on amending provisions of Law 18/2006 with respect to Social Insurance was endorsed.