Parliament Approves Draft Law to Ban Conversion of Visit Visas into Work Permits

TDT | Manama

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In a significant move to reform the labour market, Parliament yesterday approved a draft law that prohibits the conversion of visit visas into work permits.

The proposed amendments target the 1965 Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Act, introducing a new article that explicitly bans the practice. Additionally, the law includes provisions to annul any conflicting regulations and sets out guidelines for its implementation.

First introduced in May 2023, the draft law aims to prioritize employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals. It aligns with the government’s long-term labour market strategy, which emphasizes placing Bahraini citizens at the forefront of hiring while enhancing their skills through comprehensive training programs.

The legislation reflects a broader effort to strengthen local employment prospects and reduce dependency on foreign labour in certain sectors. The draft law will now proceed through the legislative process for final approval and enactment.