Runaway Cases In Bahrain: What To Do And How To Help

If you are facing a runaway case in Bahrain, it is important to understand the legal system and your rights. Bahrain's legal system involves a combination of civil, criminal, and Shariah law, with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf providing legal transaction services. Runaway cases can be complex, and individuals are advised to seek legal assistance. Online resources and forums provide some guidance, but official sources should be prioritised for accuracy and reliability.

How to check if you have a runaway case in Bahrain

If you are concerned about having a runaway case filed against you in Bahrain, there are several steps you can take to check your status and resolve the issue. Firstly, it is important to understand the nature of runaway cases, which typically arise when an employer-employee relationship sours and the employee leaves the job without proper notice or completion of contractual obligations. This can result in the employer filing a runaway case with the LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority), which may lead to legal consequences for the employee, including deportation or difficulties in obtaining a new visa or employment.

To check if you have a runaway case filed against you, the following steps can be taken:

• Check your status on the LMRA portal: Log in to the LMRA portal and check your status. If it still shows "absconding," then the runaway case has not been removed. Do not rely on verbal assurances from your employer or anyone else. Only trust the information displayed on the official portal.
• Contact the LMRA directly: If you are unsure how to check your status on the portal or need further clarification, you can contact the LMRA directly. They may be able to provide you with an update on your case status and guide you on the next steps.
• Seek legal assistance: Consider consulting a lawyer who specialises in labour cases. They can help you understand your rights, review any evidence you may have, and guide you through the process of removing the runaway case if it is false.
• Provide evidence to LMRA: If the runaway case is false and you have evidence to support your claim, gather all the necessary documentation and approach the LMRA to present your case. They will review the evidence and make a decision.
• Contact your embassy: If you are facing difficulties in resolving the issue or feel that your rights are being violated, you can seek assistance from your home country's embassy in Bahrain. They may be able to provide you with legal or consular support.
• Check for travel bans: In some cases, a court-ordered travel ban may be imposed if you have pending legal cases or unpaid debts. You can check for any travel bans on the official Bahrain government website (bahrain.bh).

Remember, it is essential to take these matters seriously and act promptly to avoid further complications. Each case is unique, and the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Always seek reliable and up-to-date information from official sources or legal professionals.

What to do if your employer files a false runaway case

If your employer files a false runaway case against you in Bahrain, here are the steps you can take to address the situation:

• Seek Legal Assistance: Consider hiring a lawyer to help you fight the false runaway case. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and represent you in any negotiations or court proceedings.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that disproves the runaway allegations. This can include attendance records, correspondence with your employer, or any other relevant documentation.
• Approach LMRA: Visit the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and present your evidence. They will assess your case and may remove the runaway status if they find the allegations to be false.
• Check Your Status: Even if you receive verbal assurance from LMRA, it is crucial to periodically check your status on the LMRA portal. The case is officially removed only when your status no longer shows "absconding."
• Communicate with Your New Employer: Keep your new employer informed about the situation. Once the false runaway case is resolved, they can proceed with applying for your visa.
• Contact Your Embassy: Depending on your nationality, you can seek assistance from your embassy or consulate. They may provide guidance or resources to help you navigate the situation.
• Consider Returning Home: If you are unable to resolve the false runaway case promptly, consider returning to your home country, especially if you are facing legal or financial difficulties in Bahrain.

Remember, it is essential to act promptly and gather the necessary evidence to support your case when facing a false runaway allegation.

How to get a runaway case removed

If you have a runaway case filed against you in Bahrain, it is important to get it removed as soon as possible. Here are the steps you can take to get a runaway case removed:

• Check your status with LMRA: Visit the LMRA portal and check your status. If it still shows "absconding", your case has not been removed. Do not rely on verbal assurances—make sure your case is officially removed from the system.
• Approach LMRA with evidence: If the runaway case is false, gather all the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim. Submit this evidence to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to get the case removed. They will review your case and may call you to notify you of their decision.
• Seek legal assistance: Consider hiring a lawyer to help you fight the case and get it removed. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
• Contact your embassy: If you are a foreign national, reach out to your embassy for assistance. They can provide guidance and support and may be able to intervene on your behalf.
• Check for travel bans: Visit bahrain.bh to check for any court-ordered travel bans against you. These bans are enforced by immigration authorities and can impact your ability to travel freely.
• Understand the difference between a blacklist and travel ban: It's important to distinguish between a blacklist and a travel ban. Blacklists are not published, and immigration authorities may not confirm or deny your inclusion on one. The only way to check is to apply for a visa. Travel bans, on the other hand, are court-ordered and can be checked online.
• Address overstaying: If you have overstayed your visa, you may face challenges in getting the runaway case removed. The longer the overstay period, the more difficult it becomes. You may have to pay fines and demonstrate a genuine effort to resolve your visa issues.
• Provide a valid reason: If you have a valid reason for running away, such as exploitation or mistreatment by your employer, be sure to include this in your defence. This may help strengthen your case and increase your chances of a favourable outcome.
• Stay in communication: Keep in regular contact with the LMRA and other relevant authorities to check the status of your case and provide any additional information or documentation they may require.
• Be proactive: Take initiative and be proactive in resolving the issue. Follow up with the relevant authorities, provide any necessary documentation, and seek legal assistance if needed. Do not wait for the issue to resolve itself, as it may only get more complicated over time.

Remember, the process of getting a runaway case removed can be complex and may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is always advisable to seek legal advice and ensure you understand your rights and options.

Can you get a new visa with a pending runaway case

If you have a runaway case filed against you in Bahrain, you will need to get it removed before you can obtain a new visa. If the runaway case is false, you can approach the LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) with evidence to have it removed. After that, your new employer can apply for a visa on your behalf.

It is important to note that you should not rely on verbal assurances from the LMRA. Check your status on the LMRA portal, as the case is not officially removed until it is removed from their system.

In the meantime, you can get a lawyer to help fight the case and get it removed.

If your visa has been cancelled, your employer cannot file a runaway case against you. However, they can file an "overstay after termination" case, which means that if you are caught working somewhere else, your new employer will be fined, and you will be deported.

What to do if you have a runaway case and want to go back to your home country

If you have a runaway case in Bahrain and want to return to your home country, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:

• Check your status on the LMRA portal: Even if you have received verbal assurance that your case has been removed, it is important to verify that the case has been officially closed. Log in to your LMRA account and check your status. If it still shows "absconding", then the case is still active and needs to be addressed.
• Gather evidence: If the runaway case against you is false, collect all the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim. This can include resignation letters, emails, or any other relevant information.
• Approach LMRA with evidence: Once you have gathered your evidence, visit the LMRA office in person or contact them through their official channels. Present your evidence and request that the runaway case be removed.
• Seek legal assistance: Consider hiring a lawyer to help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected. A lawyer can guide you through the necessary steps and communicate with the relevant authorities on your behalf.
• Contact your embassy: Reach out to your home country's embassy in Bahrain and seek their assistance. They may be able to provide you with guidance or support in resolving the runaway case and arranging your return to your home country.
• Comply with authorities: If necessary, approach the LMRA, where you will likely be detained and deported. This option may be chosen if you are unable to provide sufficient evidence to remove the runaway case or if you prefer a quicker resolution to your situation.

It is important to remember that each case is unique, and the specific steps to resolve a runaway case may vary depending on individual circumstances. Seeking legal advice or consulting with the relevant authorities in Bahrain is recommended to ensure you are taking the most appropriate course of action.

Frequently asked questions