Get Prior Permission: Letter From Bahrain

To obtain a prior permission granted letter in Bahrain, you must submit a request for a new work permit for expatriate employees. This is done through the Expat Management System (EMS) or by visiting an accredited bank. The process involves several steps and requires specific documentation. Firstly, if the expatriate employee has a multiple-entry permit, it must be cancelled before submitting the application. Additionally, the employer must deport the employee immediately if they fail to pass the required medical examination. For employees who were previously in Bahrain and had a personal number, the same number must be used when applying again. The required documents include the expatriate employee's passport, an employment contract, a medical examination report, and an approval letter or no-objection certificate for certain specialized occupations. The process also involves paying administrative fees and printing the work permit. It is important to note that Bahrain has specific visa requirements and processes for different situations, so be sure to check the relevant sources for further details.

How to get prior permission for a newborn to travel

To get prior permission for a newborn to travel, you will need to write a letter of permission. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Format: It is recommended that you type the letter, as this is more suitable for most formal permission letters. However, if it is an informal situation, you can write the letter by hand.
• Subject Line: Begin with a clear and concise subject line, such as "Letter of Consent for Travelling Minor". This lets the reader know the topic of the letter immediately.
• Address the Letter: If the letter will be kept with the child, you can open with "To Whom It May Concern". If you are sending the letter to a specific person, address them by their professional title and full name.
• State Your Purpose: Begin with a direct statement that clearly states the letter's purpose. Include the full names of yourself, your child, and the person you are granting permission to. If there is another custodian or parent, write the letter together. For example: "We, (full name of parents), are the legal guardians of (child's full name). (Child's full name) has our consent to travel with (names of people accompanying the child), as detailed below."
• Provide Detailed Information on Your Child: Include all the following information: your relation to the child (custodial parent, non-custodial parent, or legal guardian); the child's full legal name and birth date; and the child's current home address. You can also include the child's sex, place of birth, and nickname if desired.
• Add Relevant Information: Include any other information that is relevant and useful. For example, if your child is travelling, you should provide their passport number and date of issue.
• Specify the Exact Scope of Permission: Explain exactly what you are granting permission for. For instance, you may state that the person has permission to "take my child to (list the places) during travel from (state the dates) and supervise (him/her) during their stay."
• Mention the Authorization Validity: Note when the authorization expires, or state that it is valid until you revoke it in writing.
• Provide Your Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number(s), and home address so that the recipient can reach out to you if they have any questions or require further information.
• Sign with a Witness: Ideally, have the document notarized, or find a lawyer or another official to act as a witness. Alternatively, ask a neighbour, coworker, or another adult with no relation to sign as a witness. Clearly label the two signature lines as "parent" or "guardian", and "witness".

How to get prior permission for a lost/damaged passport

To get prior permission for a lost or damaged passport in Bahrain, you must follow the steps outlined by the Ministry of Interior - Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain permission:

For a Lost Passport:

• Fill out the application form: Access the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs website and download the application form for a Bahraini passport. Fill out the form by hand, providing all the necessary information.
• Submit the application: Select the relevant department and type of service, and fill out the required fields on the website. Attach the completed application form and any other required documents.
• Await application review: If your application is accepted, you will receive a text message and an email containing a payment link. Proceed to make the payment. After successful payment, you will receive a text message with the payment receipt.
• Collect your new passport: Once your passport is ready, you will receive a text message requesting you to visit the Isa Town branch to collect your new passport. Bring the original documents that were submitted with your application.

For a Damaged Passport:

• Access the website: Visit the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs website to initiate the process.
• Provide details of damage: Select the department and type of service, then fill out the required fields. Attach proof of damage, such as a letter explaining the reason for the passport's damage, and include the damaged passport if available.
• Await application review: If your application is accepted, you will receive a text message and an email with a payment link, or you may be contacted for further instructions. Proceed to make the payment.
• Collect your new passport: Once your passport is ready, you will be notified via text message to visit the Isa Town branch. Bring the original documents that were submitted, along with the original damaged passport.

General Requirements for Lost/Damaged Passport:

• Recent and clear 4x6 personal photo with a white background in JPEG format.
• Application form for a Bahraini passport.
• Police report from the relevant police station in case of a lost passport.
• Certificate issued by the General Department of Investigation and Forensic Evidence for a lost passport.
• Letter stating the reason for the passport's damage in case of a damaged passport.

Please note that there is a fee for replacing a lost or damaged passport: 50 BD for a lost passport and 10 BD for a damaged passport.

How to get prior permission for a lost/damaged identity card

To get prior permission for a lost or damaged identity card in Bahrain, you will need to follow these steps:

• Book an appointment through the electronic appointment system on the Bahrain.bh portal.
• Show up at the appointment with the required documents and verify that the requirements are met.
• Submit your application and pay the service fee online.
• Wait for the request to be processed and the new ID card to be printed, activated and delivered to your residential address via Bahrain Post.
• This service is provided by the Information and e-Government Authority and is available to both citizens and residents of Bahrain.
• If you are a Bahraini person holding a personal number, you will need to present your original and valid passport when submitting your application.
• If you are not a Bahraini citizen, you will need to be registered with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority and hold a valid residence permit.
• The service fee for replacing a lost or damaged ID card is 2 BD for Bahrainis and 10 BD for non-Bahrainis. There is a 50% discount for Bahrainis over 60 years old, and the service is free for those above 60 years old if using the electronic service.
• You can also visit an ID Card Service Centre in person to obtain this service. Centres are located in Isa Town, Seef Mall, and Salman Port.

Now, let's go through the process in more detail, providing instructions on how to write a permission letter for a lost or damaged identity card.

How to Write a Permission Letter for a Lost or Damaged Identity Card

When writing a permission letter, it is important to follow a clear structure and use a formal tone. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you write an effective permission letter:

• Include your address and the recipient's address: Start by providing your full address, including the street name, city, state, and zip code. Below this, include the date of writing the letter. Then, provide the full address of the recipient, followed by the salutation.
• State the purpose of the letter: Begin with a clear and direct statement explaining why you are writing the letter. For example, "I am writing this letter to request permission to replace my lost/damaged identity card."
• Provide detailed information: Include all relevant information about yourself, such as your full name, date of birth, current address, and any other necessary details.
• Explain the reason for the request: Briefly explain why you need to replace your identity card. For example, "My identity card was lost/stolen" or "My identity card was damaged, and I need a replacement."
• Specify the scope of permission: Clearly state what you are requesting permission for. In this case, you are seeking permission to obtain a replacement identity card.
• Provide additional information: Include any other information that may be relevant to your request, such as the date and location of the loss or damage, or any steps you have taken to report the incident.
• Mention the validity of the permission: Indicate how long the permission is valid for, or state that it will remain valid until revoked in writing.
• Provide your contact information: Include your full name, phone number, and address to allow the recipient to contact you if needed.
• Sign the letter and include a witness signature: Sign the letter to acknowledge and agree to the contents. Ideally, have the document notarized or witnessed by a lawyer or another official. This adds credibility to your letter.

By following these steps and using a clear and concise tone, you can effectively write a permission letter for a lost or damaged identity card. Remember to proofread your letter before submitting it to ensure there are no errors or typos.

How to get prior permission for a work visa

To obtain a work permit in Bahrain, you must submit a request for a new work permit for an expatriate employee to be hired on your commercial registration. This can be done through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) EMS system.

Firstly, if the expatriate employee has a multiple-entry permit, this must be cancelled before submitting the application. Secondly, the expatriate employee's passport must be valid for at least 6 months prior to applying, although it is highly recommended that validity is for 2 years.

Thirdly, a valid license from the concerned authority is required for non-commercial institutions and non-governmental organizations. Fourthly, an employment contract or employment agreement between the employer and the expatriate employee is mandatory. It should be in Arabic or bilingual, including Arabic, on the company's letterhead or government paper. It must include the commercial registration's name and number, the contract duration, the expatriate employee's name, passport number, nationality, occupation, salary, employment, and notice periods. It should be signed by both the employer and the employee and bear the seal/stamp of the employer on the company's letterhead.

Fifthly, a medical examination report for the expatriate employee is required. This should be conducted in their home or current country of residence and must not be older than three months from the issue date. If the employee is applying from outside Bahrain, the medical report must be issued by one of the accredited health centres published on the LMRA's website. If there is no accredited centre in the employee's residential city or country, a Non Wafid medical checkup form, available on the LMRA website, must be filled and stamped by an official medical centre.

Finally, an approval letter/no-objection certificate from the relevant authority for certain specialized occupations is required, for example, teachers, doctors, engineers, and designations in the banking sector.

Once you have submitted the application, an application ID will be issued and you will be notified to pay the admin fees. After this, the application will be transferred for verification. You can check the status of your application by logging on to the Expat Management System (EMS) or by calling the LMRA Contact Centre.

Upon receiving approval, pay the fees via the Expat Management System (EMS) or by visiting one of the accredited banks. Finally, print the work permit from the EMS system. If the expatriate employee is outside Bahrain, the Residence Permit should be printed by the employer via the Kingdom of Bahrain's National Portal once the expatriate arrives.

How to get prior permission for a business visa

To obtain prior permission for a business visa to enter Bahrain, you must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before initiating the visa application process, it is essential to determine your eligibility for a Bahrain business visa. This type of visa is typically issued to short-term business travellers who are employed by a foreign company and are visiting Bahrain for business activities such as conferences, meetings, or other similar purposes. It is important to note that a Bahrain business visa should not be confused with a Bahrain work visa, which is intended for foreign nationals seeking long-term employment with a Bahraini company.

Step 2: Determine the Correct Visa Type

There are two main types of visas available for business purposes:

• Bahrain eVisa: This type of visa is suitable if you plan to stay in Bahrain for a shorter duration. The eVisa allows you to stay in Bahrain for up to one month, and citizens from the UK and Ireland can stay for up to three months. The application process for the eVisa is entirely online, and you can apply through the official government website.
• Bahrain Embassy Visa: If you intend to stay in Bahrain for an extended period, exceeding the duration permitted by the eVisa, you will need to apply for a visa at a Bahrain Embassy. This type of visa allows multiple entries and a stay of up to 30 days within a three-month period.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Regardless of the visa type you choose, there are several standard documents you will need to provide:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry.
• A passport-size photograph.
• Proof of financial solvency, such as bank statements from the last three months.
• Proof of accommodation in Bahrain (e.g., a copy of your hotel reservation or a relative's CPR Reader's printout if staying with them).
• Additional documents may be required by the Bahrain Embassy or Immigration authorities, so it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

You will need to fill out an application form, providing your personal information, including your full name, nationality, passport number, and other relevant details. This form can usually be found on the official government website or the website of the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 5: Attach the Required Documents

Along with the completed application form, you will need to attach the required documents in either JPG or PDF format. This typically includes the documents mentioned in Step 3.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

There is a cost associated with obtaining a Bahrain visa. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of your stay. For an eVisa, there is a processing fee of BD 4 (approximately USD 10) and a visa fee of BD 25 (approximately USD 66). For a visa on arrival, the cost is BD 25 for a two-week visa and BD 30 for a 30-day visa.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Submit your application, along with the required documents and visa fee, either online or at the nearest Bahrain Embassy, depending on the visa type you have chosen. If applying online, you will receive a reference number to track your application status.

Step 8: Wait for Visa Approval

The processing time for a Bahrain eVisa is typically between three to five working days. If your visa application is approved, you will be able to print it out and use it for your travel to Bahrain.

Step 9: Extend Your Visa (If Necessary)

In case you need to extend your stay in Bahrain beyond the duration of your visa, you can apply for an extension at the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs office (NPRA) of the Ministry of Interior. You will usually be able to extend your stay for an additional two weeks to one month by paying an extension fee.

By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, you can obtain prior permission for a business visa to enter Bahrain. It is always advisable to initiate the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel date to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Frequently asked questions