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Bahrain launches probe into issue of illegal workers

MANAMA, April 2, 2015

A probe into thousands of foreigners working illegally in Bahrain has been launched by the parliament.

MPs who are members of a special probe committee met yesterday to tackle the issue and find solutions, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

More than 60,000 foreign nationals are working illegally in Bahrain, according to the latest Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) figures, with many having illegally bought employment permits to get into the country before accepting whatever job they can find upon arrival.

They are referred to as 'free visa' workers and often take up jobs as labourers, cleaners and housemaids for very low pay.

Citizens and residents alike take advantage of this cheap labour, a practice Labour Minister and LMRA chairman Jameel Humaidan wants to stop once and for all.

“We are seeking a comprehensive insight into all aspects of the issue to allow us to come up with real solutions,” said committee member Theyab Al Nuaimi.

“We have contacted the Labour, Interior, Industry and Commerce, and Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs ministries along with the LMRA to give us feedback on their duties.

“The Capital Trustees Board and Bahrain's three municipal councils have been asked to help through feedback about the issue and possible ways to tackle it as well.”

MP Dr Shaikh Abdulmajeed Al Asfoor said the Interior Ministry was also asked to present recommendations of a governmental committee it headed two years ago after three incidents in which labourers were burnt alive in camps.

“We have four months to come up with a report in addition to recommendations,” he added.

Meanwhile, parliament's public utilities and environment affairs committee discussed amendments to municipal law 2001 that would grant Bahrain's three councils and the Capital Trustees Board more powers. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | Workers | Illegal | Probe |

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