Govt Rejects Proposal For One-Month Grace Period For Renewing Expired Work Permits
The government has rejected a proposed law that would have granted employers a 30-day grace period to renew work permits after their expiration.
The government cited concerns about the proposal’s potential to conflict with existing labour laws, create practical implementation challenges, and exacerbate the issue of irregular employment.
The proposed law, originating as a parliamentary suggestion by MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, aimed to reduce lawsuits against employers by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and prevent business disruptions due to expired work permits.
It also sought to address irregular employment and enhance oversight of the labour market.
However, the government argued that the existing decision issued by the LMRA chairman, which regulates work permits for foreign nationals, adequately addresses these concerns.
Additionally, the proposed law could create confusion and lead to practical difficulties in implementation.
The LMRA and the Ministry of Labour both supported the government’s decision to reject the proposal.
Balance Meanwhile, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) suggested incorporating a series of amendments to the proposed law to achieve a balance between protecting employers and safeguarding workers’ rights.
The proposal argued that the amendment would provide employers with additional time to renew work permits without incurring penalties, as they might inadvertently overlook the renewal deadline.
It emphasised that this differs from employing individuals without a valid work permit, which carries a separate set of penalties.
