The government in Bahrain is cracking down on businesses that fail to pay their workers on time through surprise inspections and strict penalties. Workers now have the power to report late payments, triggering immediate action from authorities. The Wages Protection System, established in 2019, ensures that wages are paid through approved methods like bank transfers or prepaid cards, overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The government is working closely with various bodies, including the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, to monitor and enforce compliance with wage payment rules.
Employers who fail to pay wages on time will face penalties, including legal action and potential suspension of work permits for expats. In cases where wage delays are due to financial difficulties, a payment plan is arranged under the Ministry of Labour’s oversight. The Wages Protection System aims to speed up the resolution of wage disputes in labour courts by providing courts with detailed records of wage payments. The government is increasing the number of inspections and prioritizing wage complaints to protect workers’ rights and ensure efficient handling of wage disputes in the Kingdom.
Workers in Bahrain can report wage payment issues through various channels, such as phone, email, and the Ministry’s website. Companies that fail to comply with payment rules are added to a watchlist, and if the issue is not resolved within a month, further legal steps are taken, including referral to the Public Prosecution. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to uphold fair treatment of workers and ensure that wage disputes are handled efficiently in the Kingdom. The government is committed to protecting workers’ rights and cracking down on companies that fail to pay their employees on time, with a focus on strict enforcement of wage payment rules and quick resolution of disputes in labour courts.
