The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain has introduced a new tiered fine system targeting employers who violate hiring regulations. The new rules, outlined in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, state that employers who are caught hiring foreign workers without the necessary permits will face an immediate penalty of 500 Bahraini Dinars. Repeat offenders will see their fines double to 1,000 Dinars. This move is part of the LMRA’s efforts to enhance enforcement of labor practices and promote compliance among employers of foreign workers.
In addition to fines for hiring workers without permits, employers who continue to employ expat workers with expired permits will face escalating penalties based on the duration of the violation. A fine of 100 Dinars will be imposed if the offense is detected within ten days of the permit’s expiry, increasing to 200 Dinars between ten and twenty days, and 300 Dinars for violations extending from twenty to thirty days. Beyond thirty days, the minimum statutory fine will be imposed.
Furthermore, expat workers found working without a permit for the first time will be fined 500 Dinars. Employers now have the option to settle these penalties online, and once the fines are paid within the specified timeframe, the case will be closed, preventing any further legal consequences. These changes are an update to the regulations put in place in 2008, reflecting the LMRA’s commitment to enhancing compliance across the board.
By implementing a tiered fine system for violating hiring regulations, the LMRA aims to hold employers accountable and deter them from violating labor laws. The increased penalties for repeat offenders and escalating fines for prolonged violations send a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated. Employers are now incentivized to ensure they have the necessary permits for foreign workers and to adhere to all regulations to avoid facing significant financial penalties.
The ability for employers to settle fines online provides a convenient and efficient process for addressing violations promptly. By closing cases once fines are paid within the designated timeframe, the LMRA aims to streamline the enforcement process and prevent delays in resolving compliance issues. This online payment option enhances transparency and accessibility for employers dealing with penalties, encouraging timely resolution of violations and overall compliance with hiring regulations.
Overall, the introduction of a new tiered fine system by the LMRA represents a proactive measure to strengthen enforcement of labor practices and promote compliance among employers in Bahrain. The updated regulations serve as a clear deterrent to violations and aim to create a more robust framework for managing foreign worker permits. By holding employers accountable through penalties and providing a streamlined process for settling fines, the LMRA seeks to improve compliance standards and ensure a fair and transparent labor market in the country.
