Thinking of working in Bahrain? Just accepted a job offer that will allow you to work in this Middle Eastern country? You are probably wondering about the things you need to know and do upon arrival in Bahrain. Or are researching information about the labor policies of the said country.

Then you need to check out the updated guidelines published by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain in their official website. This guide that is applicable to all foreign workers in Bahrain is provided below:

What Are The Services That Foreign Employees including OFWs Can Avail at Bahrain's LMRA

• Issues and renewal of work visa to employees

• Transfer of work visa to another employer

• Provides:

• Entry visa

• Residence permit

• Multiple Entry

• ID cards

  For employees and he's family, with the help of government agencies.

• Facilitate medical checkup appointments in coordination with Ministry of health.

What are the requirements in applying for work visa?

• Visa application form

• Employee’s passport

• Passport size photograph

• Sponsorship Letter: a letter of employment indicating employer’s name/organization, commercial registration number, employee’s capacity, salary, contract duration, employee’s name, birth date and nationality

• Copy of the contract

• Health record from an authorized clinic

• BD100 fee (Php 11611.40)

Residency permit (Family visa) requirements needed if you wish to bring your family with you:

• Application form

• Employee & family’s passport copies

• Employee’s sponsorship letter

• Employee’s contract

• Family health record from an authorized clinic

• BD22 (Php 2553.05) fee per applicant

  *requirements are to be submitted to Labour Market Regulatory Authority. Family visa is issued by the General Department for Nationality & Passport Residence.

   

Requirements for CPR card or your Identification Card in Bahrain:

• Employee (or spouse) passport

• Sponsorship letter stating names of dependents

• Marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificate (for children)

• BD1 fee per applicant

Important Instructions before leaving the Philippines

Check validity of your visa on LMRA website (www.lmra.bh) by entering your visa number in the proper field in “http://portal.lmra.bh/english/express_services.”

Note: If you have a work experience in Bahrain, please hand over your old ID card to your employer before he applies a new visa for you.

Make sure you carry the following documents with you:

• 2 copies of your passport, must be valid for more than 6 months.
• Copy of the LMRA work visa.
• Copy of employment contract.
• Driving license (if available).
• Degrees and qualification certificates (if available).
•Copy of marriage certificate if you intend to bring your spouse and

• Please refer to the list of approved medical centers in your country to carry out medical checkups at these approved centers only:
  http://portal.lmra.bh/english/clinics/index

Watch out for our next article which will feature the things that an OFW needs to do upon arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain.