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Bahranization policy

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The Expat Management System depends primarily on the Bahranization policy allowing the Employer to obtain the needed Work visas. The Bahranization policy defines the following:

  1. Define the percentage of Bahrainis as set by the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables for all the commercial activities approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and classified according to the size of the commercial register branch of the business. The size of the establishment has been identified as follows:
    • Classification of establishments into four categories according to the size of the establishment (the total number of workers registered for the establishment)
    • 0-9 workers
    • 10 – 19 workers
    • 20 -99 factor
    • 100 more workers
    • in most commercial activities, the principle of progression in the percentage of Bahranization has been assumed on the basis of the size of the establishment
  2. To maintain the accomplished Bahranization percentages: The policy will deal with the establishment branches, which exceeded the percentage of the Bahranization from those identified in the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables as follows:
    • feeding the accomplished Bahranization percentages into the system by the end of June 2008 and comparing it with the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables.
    • when necessary allowing these branches to cut down by 5% of the accomplished percentage, on the condition that the required Bahranization percentage will not fall below the minimum specified in the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables.
  3. To maintain the number of Bahrainis working in the commercial register branch of the establishment achieved by the end of June 2008.
  4. For small branches (less than ten workers) the authorized employment volume will be subject to the minimum standard of the foreign workers ceiling for the branch in accordance with the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables. If the Employer filed an
    application to raise the volume of employment in his establishment above the minimum set for him/her, his/her application will be referred to the relevant committee to estimate the size of Labour and the applicability of the requirements for his/her case.
  5. For branches with more than ten workers: the issuance of Work visas will be subject to standards based on the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables. These will be decided upon automatically to facilitate and expedite the completion of applications and to achieve transparency in the criteria for acceptance and rejection.
  6. Renewal of Work visas will be carried out automatically; applying the same new permit fees.
  7. Applications for temporary Permits related to meet the specific and seasonal needs of the Employers for a short period; these will be subject to assessment by a LMRA’s ad hoc committee for analysis. Fees levels of temporary Work visas (new and renewal) will be comparable and valid for 6 months, renewable once during the last three months prior the expiry of the permit.
  8. If the Employer could not meet the needs of the national employment levels, he/she could benefit from the promise scheme at the Ministry of Labour. Specific periods will be determined mutually on which the data will be updated and Work visas will be issued automatically.
  9. Linking Professions with the Commercial Activities: the Work visas issuing system will stop Work visas applications for which the required professions are not consistent with the establishment commercial activity.
  10. limiting professions to national employment: LMRA will stop issuing Work visas restricted to the National Employment through a decision by the Minister of Labour

Note:

to determine the Bahranization percentage or obtain a copy of the percentage of Bahrainis reference tables, you may visit the LMRA’s website.

Note: Information mentioned in this guide is subject to change.

Last Update: Monday 1 November 2010