Shura Council Rejects Proposal To Block Switch From Visit To Work Visas. In recent developments, Bahrain’s Shura Council has addressed a significant proposal concerning the conversion of visit visas to work permits. The proposal aimed to amend the Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Law of 1965, seeking to prohibit any visitor from switching to a work visa under any circumstances. This initiative was primarily driven by concerns that businesses might be exploiting existing loopholes to hire tourists instead of Bahraini jobseekers.
Shura Council Stance
After thorough deliberations and consultations with the Interior Ministry and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the Shura Council’s foreign affairs committee, chaired by Dr. Ali Al Rumaihi, concluded that the current regulations are sufficient to address the issue. The committee emphasized that Bahrain already prohibits expatriate workers from taking jobs without a work permit, with laws in place to penalize businesses and individuals who attempt to bypass the system.
Furthermore, the Interior Ministry highlighted existing controls, particularly Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 1976, which blocks entry visas for work purposes unless the applicant has a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This certificate is only issued after securing a work permit or government sponsorship, effectively preventing visa misuse. Additionally, Ministerial Decision No. 16 of 2024 introduced stricter limits on visa conversions, allowing them only through the same sponsor and with a BHD 250 fee. Since the implementation of these changes, visa switching has decreased by 87%, indicating that the system is functioning as intended.
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Implications of the Proposed Ban
The committee warns that an outright ban on converting visit visas to work permits could introduce new challenges, especially for Bahraini employers who depend on foreign labor. Such a prohibition would necessitate employers to bear the costs of repatriating workers, only to rehire them under new work visas, thereby incurring unnecessary expenses.
LMRA Position
The LMRA supports the Interior Ministry’s stance, confirming that it closely monitors individuals who frequently convert visit visas. The authority collaborates with the ministry to close existing loopholes and aligns with government directives to prioritize employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals.
Summary of Key Regulatory Measures
| Ministerial Decision | Year | Key Provisions | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 25 | 1976 | Requires NOC for employment entry visas | Prevents unauthorized employment |
| No. 16 | 2024 | Restricts visa conversions to same sponsor; imposes BHD 250 fee | 87% reduction in visa switching |
This table encapsulates the pivotal regulatory decisions that have shaped Bahrain approach to visa conversions, underscoring the robustness of the existing system.
Conclusion
Given the demonstrable effectiveness of the current regulatory framework, the Shura Council committee recommends rejecting the proposed amendment. They argue that additional legislation would not only be redundant but also impose unwarranted financial burdens on Bahraini employers.