Navigating the Mechanism of Bringing in Expat Employees from Abroad

Hiring the right people is essential for growing a business. As companies expand, the need for employees from abroad becomes crucial to meet the need of local talent shortages. However, there are complexities to bring in expats who are living abroad, which can be a daunting task for many business owners. In this blog, we will delve into the mechanism for bringing in expat employees from abroad and guide you through the process step by step.

Understanding the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is the primary government body responsible for regulating the labor market in Bahrain. Any employer wishing to hire foreign workers must work through the LMRA system.

The LMRA provides various services to employers and expat employees, including:

Issuing and renewing work visas
Processing work permit applications
Managing visa transfers between employers
Providing expatriate portal services for status checks

Step 1: Obtain a Commercial Registration (CR)

Before you can sponsor foreign employees, your company must have a valid Commercial Registration (CR) with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the Sijilat system. This registration must include the activities for which you intend to hire employees.

Step 2: Register with LMRA

Once your CR is active, you must register your establishment with LMRA. This involves creating an employer account on the LMRA portal and submitting required documentation about your business.

Step 3: Apply for a Work Visa

The work visa application process involves several requirements:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Passport-sized photographs
Educational certificates (attested if required)
Employment contract
Medical fitness certificate
Payment of applicable LMRA fees

Step 4: Medical Examination

Upon arrival in Bahrain, the employee must complete a medical examination within 30 days. This is mandatory for all foreign workers and includes tests for communicable diseases. The medical examination must be done at authorized medical centers.

Step 5: CPR (Central Population Registration)

After the medical clearance, the employee must obtain a CPR card (smart card) which serves as their identification in Bahrain. This card is essential for all official transactions including opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and accessing government services.

Important Compliance Considerations

Employers must ensure ongoing compliance with LMRA regulations:

Visa Renewal: Work visas must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties
Work Location: Employees must work only at the location specified in their work visa
Job Description: Employees must perform only the job specified in their visa
Wages Protection: Employers must register with the Wages Protection System (WPS)
GOSI Registration: All employees must be registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance

Common Challenges and Solutions

Business owners often face challenges when hiring from abroad:

Document Attestation: Ensure all educational documents are properly attested before the employee travels
Quota Limitations: Some sectors have restrictions on the number of foreign workers. Plan your workforce needs accordingly
Processing Times: Allow adequate time for visa processing, which can vary depending on the applicant's nationality
Fee Changes: Stay updated on LMRA fee structures which are subject to change

Conclusion

Bringing in expat employees from abroad requires careful planning and adherence to LMRA regulations. By understanding the process and maintaining compliance, businesses can successfully build diverse and talented teams that contribute to their growth in Bahrain's dynamic economy.

For more information, employers and expat employees can visit the LMRA portal at www.lmra.bh or contact LMRA's call center at 17506055.