LMRA resumes work permit issuance for foreign employment

TDT | Manama

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced last night that it will start accepting requests for new work permits, starting from August 9, following its temporary suspension in March due to coronavirus (COVID-19) disruptions.

The decision to re-open work permit issuance will allow private employers to hire employees from abroad, and comes following a decision issued by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

The LMRA has altered the private sector’s hiring process by requiring the announcement of vacancies in local newspapers, to allow interested Bahrainis and expatriates residing in the Kingdom to apply for postings, for a duration of two weeks. The LMRA outlined that this decision will help prioritise local hiring, and assist Bahrainis and expatriates currently residing in the Kingdom.