Employers in Bahrain can no longer apply for a temporary work permit, as the category has been discontinued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Instead, employers who require short-term workers can apply for a Work Visa and Residence Permit with a shorter validity period, such as six months.

Upon approval, the Work Visa and Residence Permit will be counted as part of the employment quota and may affect the company's Bahranisation rate, whereas temporary permits did not affect the quota.

Background

Previously, temporary work permits were available to foreign nationals engaged in project-based activities for a maximum duration of six months.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers that require short-term employment authorisation should now apply for a Work Visa and Residence Permit, instead of a temporary work permit. Employers are required to have a sufficient employment quota in advance of the process. Although the category has been discontinued, information on the temporary work permit process is still available on the LMRA's website.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.

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