The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), Bahrain has introduced a new 6-month work permit for expatriate workers, who are already living in the country and working in the commercial sector.

The 6-month work permit is an option in addition to the existing one-year and two-year work permits for the expatriates. The six-month work permit, allowing Bahraini employers to try new workers without committing to long-term contracts, helps them manage workforce needs more efficiently.

A shorter work permit also reduces cost, supports business sustainability, flexibility in hiring, and ensures companies find the right talent before making extended commitments.

This also allows expat workers to try out their employers on a shorter-term basis and assess the workplace culture without being tied to a long-term contract.  

However, only expats already in Bahrain are eligible for this permit and do not apply to new hires. 

The LMRA reaffirmed its commitment to regularly reviewing labour policies in collaboration with various economic sectors to keep up with changing market demands. An LMRA official stated, “The option…offering employer trial opportunities, reduce operational expenses and achieve sustainability in the commercial sector,” 

He also clarified that the 6-month work permit option does not include recruitment from abroad. “This measure is expected to achieve several regulatory goals for the labour market, such as reducing the recruitment of new expatriate workers for the commercial sector and offering business owners trial options to benefit from the existing workforce in the kingdom,"

"..It allows businesses to assess the efficiency and suitability of workers based on their standards, ultimately enhancing chances for success, growth and reduced operational costs…This approach also helps businesses improve financial efficiency and achieve greater sustainability, especially in their early stages," the authority added.

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Employers in Bahrain can now apply for or renew a 6-month work permit for expatriate employees under their commercial registration, just like the one-year and two-year permits. The fee for the new 6-month permit is BHD 50, as per Resolution No. (26) of 2008, which outlines fees for work and residence permits for expatriate workers and their families.

Yesterday, Bahrain also rejected a proposed ban on the conversion of tourist visas into work visas, stating that stricter laws are already in place to monitor such activities. This provides relief to Bahraini expats, who can continue working, provided they have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration and Passports Directorate.