Our previous article was about things that OFWs need to prepare if you wish to go and work in Bahrain. This new article will provide a guide upon your arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Procedures for OFWs arriving at Bahrain's airport:

• Look for the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) counters and submit a copy of your documents, such as work visa and passport. The LMRA will coordinate with concerned bodies to provide you with an ID card, residence permit and medical appointment for checkup.

• You also need to provide copies of your fingerprints, your photo and signature at the LMRA counter.

  • If you fail to do this at the airport, you need to visit the office of LMRA within one month of arrival. This is also the agency to got to in cases when a foreign employee wish to transfer top a new employer, you will have to fill a transfer request form and attach your ID card copy.

Important Notice: Keep your passport in your possession. Do not give it to anyone, unless you fully agree and have consent to keep it with your employer.

For OFWs going to Bahrain with dependents/ family members In case of bringing your family, they should either accompany you or arrive after you. Each family member should have a separate passport.
 

To avoid any penalties and legal issues or cancellation of your work visa, and to determine your stay in the kingdom legally, please follow these steps:

1. Make sure that your job position is the same as what is stated your working visa. It is not allowed to be employed to other jobs not specified to working visa.

2. Make sure that the location of your job site is the same as what mentioned in your visa, or other branches of the same employer and same job.

3. Cooperate with the LMRA inspection officers when they ask for your verification of fingerprints or documents.

4. Stick to the rules of your employment contract.

5. Applying for an employer transfer will prevent previous employer from renewing your contract.

6. Do not pay any amount in return for a work visa, or to renew your work visa or to transfer to another employer.

7. Abide by all Kingdom of Bahrain laws and respect the traditions and culture of the country.

8. Do not be absent from work for more than 15 continuous days without permission of the employer, or any other reason not mentioned in the law.

9. If you have any dispute with your employer please refer to the labor courts at the Ministry of Justice and Islamic law.

10. You can check status of your work visa by mobile service at any time send a message with CPR add your ID number (CPR XXXXXXXXX) to the following number Batelco 90168 or Zain 77070 or Viva 98690.

How Foreign Employee’s can Check Status of their Working Visa:

There's an online portal where you can check the status of your work visa or your family anytime and related details. https://www.lmra.bh/expatportal/login.php

Make sure you complete your medical examination within 30 days of arrival to the kingdom

Transfer to another employer
A foreign worker has the right to transfer to another employer, as per the provisions of the LMRA resolution no. 79 for 2009 regulating the transfer process as follows:

1. Transfer without consent of employer:

• Complete one full year with the current employer before starting transfer process.

• Notify the current employer of your intent to transfer via registered mail and retain a notification of receipt of the same from the post office, within the time fixed in the employment contract and not exceeding 3 months notice period.

• Then follow up with the new intended employer for application submission and LMRA requirements for transfer.

2. Transfer with consent :

• In coordination with first employer the 2nd employer applies for the worker at LMRA, meeting all the requirements.

• In the LMRA system the first employer allows transfer for the worker and the transfer is done after the second employer pays the necessary fees.

3. Transfer in case of expired work visa or other reasons:

• Inform the LMRA of your intention within 30 days before expiry of your work visa or within 5 days of your knowledge of cancellation of your work visa, by coming personally to the LMRA office.

• You are given 30 days period to transfer and within this period you are not allowed to take up any form of employment.

• You can reach LMRA thru:

  • Address P.O.Box: 18333 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

  • Call Center +973 17506055

  • Tel .+973 17388888

  • Fax .+973 17552681

  • E-maill mra@lmra.gov.bh

• The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Bahrain can be reached at the following contact details:

  • Telephone – 1772-1234

  • Fax- 1772-0827

  • Email- manamape@batelco.com.bh