The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain recently conducted a major inspection campaign between October 13th and 19th, 2024. The operation involved a total of 1,780 inspections and visits, resulting in the apprehension of 33 undocumented workers and the deportation of 152 individuals who were found to be in violation of labour laws. These inspections, which covered 1,748 individual site visits across all governorates and included 32 joint raids, revealed numerous violations of various regulations, with a focus on those outlined in the LMRA Act and Bahrain’s residency laws.
During the joint raids, the LMRA worked closely with several governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Interior (specifically the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs), security directorates in various governorates, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Evidence, the General Directorate of Execution of Judgments and Alternative Penalties, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority “BTEA”. This collaboration was essential in ensuring the success of the campaign and in enforcing labour laws effectively.
The distribution of raids conducted during the campaign was as follows: 18 raids in the Capital Governorate, 6 in Muharraq, 6 in the Northern Governorate, and 2 in the Southern Governorate. These raids were targeted at businesses and individuals suspected of violating labour laws, with a specific focus on undocumented workers and individuals who were found to be in breach of residency regulations. The results of the inspections underscore the importance of continued vigilance in enforcing labour laws and ensuring compliance among businesses and individuals operating in Bahrain.
The LMRA’s efforts in conducting these inspections and raids demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding labour laws and protecting the rights of workers in Bahrain. By apprehending undocumented workers and deporting individuals in violation of residency regulations, the LMRA is working to maintain a fair and transparent labour market that benefits both employees and employers. Through collaboration with other governmental bodies, the LMRA is able to effectively enforce labour laws and address violations in a timely and efficient manner.
Moving forward, it is essential for businesses and individuals operating in Bahrain to adhere to labour laws and regulations to avoid facing penalties or legal action. Employers must ensure that their workforce is properly documented and that they comply with residency laws to prevent any potential violations. By staying informed about labour regulations and working closely with government authorities, businesses can contribute to a safe and compliant working environment that benefits both employees and the economy as a whole.
Overall, the recent inspection campaign conducted by the LMRA in Bahrain serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding labour laws and ensuring compliance among businesses and individuals. By conducting thorough inspections and joint raids, the LMRA is able to identify violations and take appropriate action to address them. Through continued collaboration with other governmental bodies, the LMRA will continue to enforce labour laws effectively and protect the rights of workers in Bahrain. It is essential for businesses and individuals to prioritize compliance with labour regulations to contribute to a fair and transparent labour market in Bahrain.
