IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Bahraini government announced it will launch the new Platinum Residency program.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals who have been living in Bahrain for 15 years will be eligible for Platinum Residency if they:
    • Hold Golden Residency.
    • Have a valid Good Conduct Certificate and never been convicted of a crime.
    • Earned at least 4,000 BHD (about US$10,600) per month for the previous five years.
  • Those who hold Platinum Residency will be able to own property in almost all of the country. Individuals who hold Golden Residency are only permitted to own property in designated areas in Bahrain.
  • Those who hold Platinum Residency will be able to sponsor dependents, including spouses, children and parents; however, dependents will not receive work authorization.

BAL Analysis: The Bahraini government will launch the Platinum Residency program to encourage highly skilled foreign nationals to continue to live and work in the country. Eligible foreign nationals will benefit from the program by being able to purchase land in almost all parts of Bahrain. Bahraini authorities have yet to announce the program’s launch date.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Bahraini government suspended its Flexi Permit program.

Key Points:

  • As of Oct. 18, Bahraini authorities are no longer accepting applications for the Flexible Work Permit.
  • Flexible Work Permit holders now need to obtain sponsorship from an employer to remain in the country. Previously, Flexible Work Permit holders were able to work in Bahrain without sponsorship.
  • More information regarding the suspension of Flexible Work Permits is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Bahraini government suspended its Flexible Work Permit program as it determined a number of foreign nationals were remaining in Bahrain after their permits had expired. Employers are advised to work with employees who hold Flexible Work Permits to find alternative means to remain in the country.

This alert has been provided by BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Bahraini government has launched a multi-entry e-visa for training purposes.

Key Points:

  • As of Sept. 3, foreign nationals traveling to Bahrain for training purposes can apply for a multi-entry e-visa through this website.
  • Training visa holders will be able to initially stay in Bahrain for six months and extend it for an additional six months if needed.
  • To qualify for the visa, applicants must have a passport with at least six months validity and attach a letter from the sponsoring organization, including information regarding the purpose and details of the training.

BAL Analysis: The Bahraini government has launched the six-month training visa with the goal of attracting more foreign nationals to live in the country.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Bahraini government has launched a Golden Residency Visa for eligible foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb. 7, real estate owners, resident foreigners (including retirees) and highly talented individuals can now submit applications for the Golden Residency Visa through this website.
  • To be eligible for the visa, individuals must have lived in Bahrain for at least five years and earned an average income of at least 2000 Bahraini Dinar per month.
  • The Golden Residency Visa is renewable indefinitely and allows individuals to work in Bahrain, have unlimited entry and exit permissions and gives residency to family members.

Additional information: More information regarding the Golden Residency Visa eligibility requirements and lists of required documents is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Bahraini government intends to attract more investors, entrepreneurs, and highly talented individuals to live and work in the country. Those interested in the Golden Residency Visa should contact their BAL professional to discuss best available options.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Bahraini government recently updated its entry rules and restrictions for many countries and travelers.

Key Points:

  • Individuals arriving from countries who are eligible for visa-on-arrival in Bahrain and have vaccination certificates will be allowed to enter the country.
  • Individuals traveling from or who have transited through red list countries within 14 days of intended arrival in Bahrain are barred from entering the country.
    • Bahraini citizens and residents are exempt from the red-list country ban.
    • All travelers who are six years or older and arriving from a red list country must present a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of departure; take a PCR test upon arrival; and quarantine for ten days and take additional PCR tests throughout the quarantine.
  • More information regarding Bahrain’s entry restrictions, testing requirements and health protocols can be found here.

Additional information: All travelers must use the BeAware Bahrain application and sign an agreement to adhere to the country’s health protocols upon arrival.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Bahrain has announced it is now offering a ten-year multi-entry visa for U.S. nationals traveling for tourism.

Key Points:

  • U.S. nationals who obtain the new visa will be allowed to stay in Bahrain for up to 90 days each visit. During their stays, they may not engage in work activities. The five-year version of the same visa also remains available. All U.S. nationals who had obtained the new visa are not permitted to take up any paid or unpaid employment during their visit to Bahrain. And, they must not be involved with any hands-on/work activities at any entities in the Kingdom. Please note that this visa is merely considered as a visit visa, and no business-related activities are to be conducted by them during their stay in the country.
  • U.S. nationals can apply for the new visa at this website for a fee of BHD 64. When applying, applicants must provide copies of the following documents: a return air travel ticket, a hotel reservation and bank statements for the previous three months. Applicants must show a balance of at least the equivalent of BHD 300 (about $795).

Background: Bahrain has recently moved to open up after suspending international travel because of COVID-19. The country resumed visa on arrival services for foreign nationals of 68 countries in September. Bahrain and the U.S. agreed to the visa arrangement this past summer.

Analysis & Comments: The new ten-year multi-entry visa provides another option to U.S. nationals who spend a significant amount of time traveling to Bahrain.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Bahrain has resumed visa on arrival services for foreign nationals from 68 countries.

Key Points:

  • Nationals from this list of countries are eligible for visas on arrival.
    Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also eligible for visas on arrival, with the exception of those from Qatar. Qatari nationals must obtain a visa before entering Bahrain.
  • Though visa on arrival services have resumed for many travelers, entry remains restricted to the following:
    • Bahraini citizens and residents.
    • GCC citizens not requiring a visa.
    • Travelers eligible for visa on arrival or who have valid eVisas.
    • Military personnel.
    • Diplomats.
    • Individuals with UN, official or service passports.
  • All travelers entering Bahrain must obtain a COVID-19 PCR test upon arriving and pay for it themselves. Travelers who have been tested must wait in self-isolation for their test results. Those who stay in Bahrain for 10 days or more must obtain a second COVID-19 PCR test on the tenth day after arriving.

Background: Bahrain suspended visa on arrival services in March to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The resumption of visa on arrival services for nationals from 68 countries will allow more travelers to enter Bahrain. Travelers should note, however, that these visas are only for tourism. Business travelers must obtain a sponsored eVisa before traveling to Bahrain. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) recently announced new labor market testing process details for employers in Bahrain.

What does the change mean? Some delay is to be expected for employers applying for new work permits for foreign nationals outside Bahrain because of the new process.

  • Implementation timeframe: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and work permit applicants, both out-of-country and in-country.
  • Impact on processing times: The new labor market testing requirements could increase the time it takes to obtain a work permit because employers will have to wait 14 days and have their job vacancies posted in a local newspaper before they can lodge work permit applications.
  • Business impact: Employers in Bahrain might find the process of hiring foreign nationals more challenging.

Background: Bahrain announced in late July it would begin accepting applications for new work permits for foreign nationals Aug. 9. The issuance of new work permits was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional information: Requests for new work permit applications for foreign nationals outside the country will be delayed for 14 days to give local candidates (citizens and residents) a chance to apply for the position. Employers are required to post available job vacancies in local government-approved newspapers for seven days. The newspaper job postings must mention the job position, company name and email and telephone number listed in the LMRA system.

The Labor Market Regulatory Authority will publish the job vacancies for employers. The cost per job posting will be 30 Bahraini Dinars or about $US79.57. Employers are allowed to choose from among these newspapers for their job postings: Al Ayam, Akhbar Alkhaleej, Al Bilad, Al Watan, Gulf Daily News and the Bahrain Daily Tribune. Employers who choose to select a preferred newspaper for publishing their available job vacancies are required to do so within one hour of submitting a new work permit application for a foreign national outside the country. They can submit an electronic ticket through the E-Support system.

If the employer is unable to find a suitable worker from the resident labor market the work permit application will proceed. Authorities do not require the employer to submit any reports or feedback after the advertisement of the job vacancy in the local newspaper. Further information is available on the LMRA website.

Analysis & Comments: The objective of the new process is to ensure citizens and residents who are currently in Bahrain have ample opportunities to apply for new local job vacancies. Employers should take note of the new labor market testing process and follow it. They may expect delays when applying for new work permit applications for foreign nationals outside Bahrain. Employers are encouraged to work with Deloitte to ensure they remain in compliance with the new requirements.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Bahrain recently extended visit visa validity to provide relief to some visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key points:

  • Officials extended the validity of expired and valid visit visas for three months.
  • For all types of resident permits, fees will not be collected until the end of the year for rectifying problems.

Additional information: In the first week of April, Bahrain implemented restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 such as cancelling visas on arrival until further notice and banning entry for most international passengers.

Analysis & Comments: The visit visa validity extension will impact the movement of people into Bahrain and the stays of people who are already there. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has updated its immigration policies and requirements for some foreign nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of May 11, the Key and Scientific Personnel program will be renewed. Foreign nationals and their family members who are registered in this program and whose entry DV/R visas will be issued after May 11, will be allowed to enter the Czech Republic.
  • Highly qualified and qualified staff programs will only be renewed for select medical and social service workers.
  • Entry will be granted to DV/R visa holders.
  • Entry will be granted to citizens of the European Union who enter the Czech Republic to carry out an economic activity or to study at a university.
  • The Czech Republic has introduced an extra 60 days after the state of emergency ends May 17, for foreign nationals whose residence permit/visa expired during the state of emergency and were not able to leave the country. Within these 60 days (i.e., until July 17) they should obtain an exit order and leave the Czech Republic in accordance with the Act on Foreigners.

Additional information: All foreign nationals mentioned above must provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor or public health authority, confirming the completion of an RT-PCR test with a negative result not more than four days old for the presence of SARS CoV-2, together with confirmation issued by the relevant laboratory. Foreign nationals must complete the test at their own expense. Employers are reminded that they must provide employees with accommodation, medical care and transport to and from work.

Analysis & Comments: The response to COVID-19 continues to develop and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.