Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has announced more flexible durations for work permits in accordance with a new resolution issued by Labour Minister and LMRA Board chairman Jameel Humaidan.

The LMRA yesterday (September 23) said it has adopted a new system that gives employers the benefit of applying for work permits with a duration of one year, instead of the regular two years, at half the price - with the choice to renew it for another six months or one year for the associated cost, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The regular two-year visas will continue to be issued and renewed as normal.

The new system will be adopted from October 1. LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi said the new system - put in place following government's directive - would provide more facilities and flexibility for the business community.

"It will allow employers to organise the affairs of their employees to suit the requirements of the contracts they are awarded in various fields.

"It will also give businessmen more freedom in managing their cash flow," he said, adding that LMRA spares no effort to provide facilities and concessions to the commercial sector and the businessmen in order to develop the national economy.

The work permit may be renewed for a duration or any other durations as per the requirement of the employer or his authorised person in a format issued by the LMRA for this purpose - manually or online - not exceeding 180 days prior to its expiry.

Humaidan has also issued a resolution organising the Employers' records. The employer is now obliged to maintain a 'foreign employees register' - it shall comprise the name and nationality of the worker, his qualifications and job, address of residence, salary agreed upon and mode of payment, as well as bank details and any other related rights and obligations on both parties during the employment period. – TradeArabia News Service