Bahrain Introduces New Work Rules for Foreign Workers

Bahrain has implemented new employment regulations that permit foreign workers to temporarily work for different employers for up to 90 days. This adjustment provides expatriates greater flexibility in securing short-term positions. Previously, foreign workers were restricted to working only for their sponsoring companies.

Under the revised laws, foreign workers can now work for alternative employers as long as they maintain a valid work permit during the temporary employment period. The new employer will be responsible for paying an extra fee if their Bahrainization rate is lower than the current worker's employer. This fee is calculated based on the Bahrainization rates of both companies, rather than the nature of the work.

Employers are also required to pay a BHD 5 administrative fee when submitting a temporary employment application. All temporary work arrangements must be filed and overseen through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s (LMRA) Expat Management System. The introduction of these regulations aims to enhance Bahrain's labor market flexibility by enabling companies to hire foreign workers for short-term assignments without the original workforce acting as their sponsor.