Work Permits, Renewals Now Offer Choice of Duration

IMPACT – Medium

What is the change? The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has announced that initial work permits can now be obtained for durations of either one or two years. Previously, only two-year work permits were available. In addition, work permits can now be renewed for six months, one year or two years.

What does the change mean? The choice of work permit durations offers employers more flexibility in meeting their labor needs.

• Implementation timeframe: Oct. 1, 2013.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permit.
• Who is affected: Employers of foreign nationals.
• Impact on processing times: No impact.
• Business impact: Positive impact.
• Next steps: No next steps.

Background: On Sept. 24, the LMRA announced new terms for initial work permits and work permit renewals. The terms went into effect on Oct. 1. Initial work permits are now available for terms of one or two years. Previously, only two-year work permits were issued. The costs of the permits are 100 and 200 Bahraini dinar respectively.

Similarly, work permits can now be renewed for three different terms: six months, one year or two years. Renewal cost for each is 50, 100 and 200 Bahraini dinar respectively.

The cost of a family residency visa remains 90 Bahraini dinar per family member regardless of the duration of the work permit.

BAL analysis: The new choices for work permit duration offer employers greater flexibility in meeting their labor needs, and may help them to save on costs for permits with shorter durations.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network partner in Bahrain. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

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