Immigrants

Is Bahrain Truly the Best Place for Expats to Settle?

Have you ever wondered why the Kingdom of Bahrain is often hailed as the "best place for expatriates" to live in and settle? Bahrain is an attractive destination because it respects all nationalities, upholding their rights and dignity, and giving them the ability for 100% business ownership.

The Kingdom offers affordable housing options and a streamlined visa acquisition process. It boasts a high level of digital readiness, providing expatriates with a secure and welcoming environment. The country excels in offering a wide array of online government services and digital channel options. Additionally, Bahrain has introduced a Golden Residency Visa Program, enabling current residents and foreign nationals to reside or invest in the Kingdom for extended periods, promoting their stability and security.

In Bahrain, the regulations for visas and entry permits are managed by Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Interior.

NPRA’s digital transformation journey is marked by several significant achievements, including the launch of the Digital Residency Program, which streamlines residents' access to services. The implementation of E-visas has simplified entry processes, boosting efficiency.

NPRA provides visa and residency services through comprehensive mobile apps available on both iOS and Android. This showcases its commitment to accessible, efficient, and user-friendly digital services, reflecting a strategic move towards mobile-first solutions.

The NPRA virtual assistance service on NPRA’s website provides direct support through the Chatbot to facilitate responsiveness for inquiries related to passports, residency, and visas.

The Kingdom presents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, encapsulating the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in a realm of cultural richness, sporting excitement, and leisure, making every visit a memorable journey.

Bahrain has implemented a robust framework of laws and regulations to ensure that expatriates are treated fairly and with respect. Expatriates in Bahrain enjoy fundamental rights such as safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and access to medical care. They are also entitled to vacation rights, including paid leave for holidays and parental leave. The Bahrain Labour Law sets guidelines and regulations to prioritize the well-being of employees. These measures aim to prevent the exploitation and mistreatment of expatriate workers, ensuring they can enjoy their time in Bahrain without fear of mistreatment.

The Kingdom is a model for peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions, sects, and cultures, thanks to the atmosphere of freedom and openness established by the country’s senior leadership as part of its comprehensive reform approach. Given the sanctity of religion, the constitution of Bahrain has guaranteed this right and explicitly affirms freedom of conscience in Article 22 of the Constitution, which states: "Freedom of conscience is absolute."

Role of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA): The LMRA is a vital entity responsible for organizing Bahrain's labour activities. It collaborates with labour-exporting countries' embassies and foreign community civil society institutions to ensure worker protection and provides various Pre-Employment Medical Examination Services in coordination with concerned authorities to ensure worker health. The LMRA is guided by principles promoting transparency, quality, continuous improvement, and social responsibility, contributing to Bahrain's reputation as a fair and just place to work.

The Ministry of Labour continues to achieve success in protecting labour rights and has a major role in improving working conditions and environment and building a labour market characterized by job stability It is the concerned government authority for ensuring the implementation of Labour Law No (36) of 2012 (PDF, 502KB, 55 pages). The Ministry of Labour settles individual labour disputes for workers, secures the rights of workers towards the employer, and settles any dispute that may arise between the worker and the employer by mutual consent and without any fees. It also guarantees the right of workers to organize trade unions and establish trade unions to defend workers' rights in accordance with Law No. 33 of 2002 (Arabic only) and mediates disputes that arise between trade unions and employers free of charge. It also makes decisions in accordance with the labour law to lead the parties to reconciliation and the proper application of the law.

National Human Trafficking Hotline (995): To combat human trafficking and exploitation among foreign nationals in Bahrain, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at +973 995 is available for reporting through the LMRA portal. This hotline plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.

Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Workers

To combat human trafficking and the exploitation of foreign nationals residing in Bahrain, a committee was established under Ministerial Decision No. (30) of 2008. The committee works in close coordination with the Ministry of Interior to assess each case and recommend appropriate action:

• Returning individuals to their countries of origin: In cases where it is in the best interest of the individuals, they may be repatriated to their home countries.
• Repatriating individuals to another country if the situation in their home country does not serve their interests: If returning to their home country poses a threat or hardship to the individuals, alternative countries of refuge may be considered.
• Helping individuals obtain Bahrain-based jobs that match their qualifications: For those who wish to continue working in Bahrain, the committee may submit recommendations to help them secure suitable employment that aligns with their qualifications and aspirations, ensuring they can contribute positively to Bahrain's workforce while safeguarding their rights.

Reporting Labour Complaints

The Labour Inspection Department in the Ministry of Labour investigates labour complaints submitted by workers in the private sector, providing consensual and legal solutions in accordance with Labour Law No (36) of 2012 (PDF, 502KB, 55 pages). Reporting labour complaints ensures that workers' rights are protected, and issues are resolved fairly and justly.

Compulsory Payment of Workers’ Salaries via Bank Accounts

As part of Bahrain's commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability and protecting workers' rights, the government has mandated that employers pay expatriate workers' salaries through bank accounts. This ensures that workers receive their full salaries and benefits while reducing the risks of wage theft and incomplete payments.

To further safeguard workers' rights, the LMRA coordinated with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the private sector to issue International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) for each expatriate arriving in Bahrain via Bahrain International Airport (BIA). Workers are informed about activating bank accounts linked to their IBANs and the service provider. This initiative underscores the importance of electronic banking transactions in protecting the rights of all parties, especially regarding salary payments.

This step seeks to help employers comply with electronic salary payments, simplifying payroll processes and documenting payment records. This also reduces legal disputes related to wages and speeds up their resolution, ensuring all parties’ rights are upheld.

This initiative promotes financial inclusion by increasing the number of expatriates with bank accounts, allowing access to sustainable financial services. It facilitates daily activities such as receiving salaries, transferring money, and conducting financial transactions, while providing access to a range of banking services such as deposits, loans, and bank cards. This measure not only benefits account holders but also the Bahraini banking sector by increasing efficiency, transparency, reducing cash reliance, and accelerating the digital transformation of financial services.

Bahrain's commitment to the rights and well-being of expatriates underscores its dedication to providing a secure and welcoming environment for those who choose to make Bahrain their home.