Working In Bahrain: The Legal Age To Begin

If you're considering working in Bahrain, it's important to be aware of the country's regulations regarding the minimum working age. Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, boasting a unique blend of ancient history and modern attractions. With a significant expat population, Bahrain offers diverse job opportunities. However, the minimum working age in Bahrain is a crucial factor to consider. The conventional age restriction in Bahrain implies that only individuals aged between 18 and 60 can legally work in the country as expats. This age limit is an essential aspect to keep in mind when exploring employment options in Bahrain, ensuring that you comply with the country's labour regulations.

Work permit and visa requirements

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is the primary agency that handles all foreign workers coming into Bahrain. The LMRA also facilitates the issuance of entry visas, residency permits, and identification cards.

Work Visas

Every nationality entering Bahrain needs an entry visa, except for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). All other individuals must apply for one of the following visas:

• Bahrain electronic visa: This visa was introduced in 2014, allowing certain nationalities to get a visa electronically for tourism or business-related reasons. The visa is granted for a period ranging from 14 to 90 days for one or multiple entries. It does not allow for employment.
• Embassy or consular visa: Nationals from countries that don't fall under the Bahrain electronic visa must be sponsored by a Bahraini citizen, travel agent, or company to act as a guarantor. This visa is valid for one month and doesn't allow employment.
• Work visa: All employees require a work visa to participate in any type of employment. This permit is valid for one to two years and entitles workers to residency.
• Family visa: Immediate family members of workers will need a family visa or residence permit to live in Bahrain during the employment period. Family members cannot work unless they obtain a separate work visa.

Requirements to Obtain a Work Visa

The requirements for a work visa in Bahrain are as follows:

• Visa application form
• Passport-sized photograph
• Copy of job contract
• Health record from an authorized clinic
• Sponsorship letter: This letter of employment should include the name of the employer/company, commercial registration number, employee's name, date of birth, nationality, salary, and contract duration.

The Bahrain Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) processes and issues all visas before international workers arrive in the country. Employees must also provide a medical report and academic or professional qualifications for the position.

Work Permit

Work permits are required for non-GCC nationals and are issued by the LMRA with employer sponsorship. Anyone between the ages of 21 and 60 is eligible to apply for a work permit. The application process is typically handled by the employer on behalf of the employee. The following documents must be submitted by the employer:

• Permit application form
• Employee's passport, valid for at least six months from the date of permit issuance
• Passport-sized photograph
• Sponsorship letter: A letter of employment indicating the employer's name/organisation, commercial registration number, employee's capacity, salary, contract duration, employee's name, birth date, and nationality
• Intention to Transfer form (if the employee is transferring employers within Bahrain)
• Copy of the contract
• Medical test report (GAMCA Approved)

The cost of a work permit depends on the duration and type:

• One-year permit: BHD 172
• Two-year permit: BHD 344
• Dependent Fees: BHD 90
• Administrative Fee: BHD 5

Renewing a Work Permit

Renewing a work permit in Bahrain is similar to the initial application process and is usually managed by the employer. The timelines for renewal depend on the duration of the existing permit:

• For a two-year permit: Renew up to six months before expiry
• For a one-year permit: Renew up to six months before expiry
• For a six-month permit: Renew up to five months before expiry

The cost of renewing a work permit also depends on the extension period:

• BHD 50 for a six-month renewal
• BHD 100 for a one-year renewal
• BHD 200 for a two-year renewal

Age restrictions for expats

Bahrain is a popular destination for expats, with around 52% of its population being foreign nationals as of 2020. The country offers a globalised, tax-free environment, which is a huge draw for expatriates.

There are no strict guidelines specifying age limits for expats in Bahrain. However, it is understood that only those aged between 18 and 60 can work in the country. This is because the conventional retirement age in Bahrain is 60, and anyone over this age will need to obtain a medical certificate to continue working.

Rules for Expats

Expats must follow the rules set out by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (LMRA). These include:

• Always working with a valid work permit, issued by the LMRA, and renewing it in good time.
• Providing fingerprints, photographs, and a signature to the LMRA when entering Bahrain or within one month of entry.
• Not being absent from work for more than 15 days without informing your employer.
• Abiding by the conditions of your work permit, including the employer, location, and hours of employment.
• Only changing your employer after one year with your current employee, and informing the LMRA of the change.
• Finding a new employer or leaving the country within 30 days of your work permit's expiry.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is a Bahraini government body that regulates and controls work permits for foreign workers and the self-employed. It was established on 31 May 2006 and has full financial and administrative independence under a board of directors chaired by the Minister of Labour. The LMRA also issues licenses for manpower and recruitment agencies.

Fees are imposed on companies for foreign work permits and a monthly tax for each foreign worker they employ. As of 2012, the foreign work permit fee was BD200, and the monthly tax for each foreign worker was BD10. There were 600,857 foreign workers in Bahrain at the end of the second quarter of 2018, compared to 158,814 Bahrainis employed.

The LMRA is the primary agency that handles all foreign workers entering Bahrain for employment. It facilitates the issuance of entry visas, residency permits, and identification cards. In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the LMRA also facilitates medical appointments or check-ups. When a contract ends or an employee applies for a new job, the LMRA transfers the work visa to another employer.

The LMRA website offers a range of services to employers, expatriate employees, and all visitors. These include official statistics, laws, and resolutions pertaining to the Bahraini labour market. Employers and expatriate employees can book an appointment for LMRA services that are not available on the website.

Medical certificates

One of the main requirements for obtaining a work permit in Bahrain is undergoing a medical examination. This must be performed at an approved Wafid medical centre in your country of origin and, upon arrival in Bahrain, through medical centres approved by the Kingdom.

Pre-Employment Medical Examination

The pre-employment medical exam determines whether a candidate is fit for employment. This includes the following medical tests and health information:

• Stool R/M & culture
• Complete blood count
• Serology blood investigation
• General medical examination
• Biochemistry for liver and renal functions
• Detailed medical history (both public and occupational)
• Weight, height, blood pressure, visual activity, and other vital signs
• Specific tests for particular groups (e.g. a colour vision test for pilots and ship captains)

Conditions Deemed Unfit for Work

The following conditions are generally considered unfit for employment in Bahrain:

Infectious Conditions

• AFB (acid-fast bacilli) positive smear or culture
• Tuberculosis (including tuberculous lymphadenitis, tuberculous pleural effusion, and chest x-ray showing active or past-evidence of TB)

Non-infectious Conditions

• Psychiatric diseases
• Known case of cancer
• Congestive heart failure
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension

Additional Information

If your country does not have an approved health centre, you can complete your medical exam in any reputed health centre and submit the report to your prospective employer.

If you are already in Bahrain and have finished your contract, you will need to undergo a medical exam in an authorized health centre in the Kingdom to apply for a new job.

Generally, a medical checkup is required for expat employees every 2 years by the Ministry of Health in Bahrain.

Rules for expats

Expats make up a large proportion of the population in Bahrain, with nearly half of the population being non-nationals. The country is an attractive prospect for expats due to its high salaries and lack of personal taxes.

Work Visas

To work legally in Bahrain, you will need a sponsoring employer who can apply for a work visa on your behalf. You cannot apply for a work visa without a job offer. Companies in Bahrain can only sponsor a limited number of visas according to their quota for foreign employees, which is relative to the size of the company.

Work Permits

Expats also need to obtain a valid work permit from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority of Bahrain (LMRA) and get it renewed in time. You must submit your fingerprints, photographs, and signature to the LMRA when you enter Bahrain or within one month from the date of entry.

Work Culture

The way work is conducted in Bahrain may differ from practices in Western countries. Small talk is common, and it is beneficial to get to know your colleagues on a personal level. Punctuality is highly valued, so always arrive on time for appointments.

Behaviour and Customs

Bahrain is considered a liberal state, but most of the local population is conservative, so it is important to respect local and religious customs. Public displays of affection are considered offensive and are disallowed, especially during Ramadan. Homosexuality is legal, but it can cause social discrimination and legal action under laws pertaining to the protection of public morality.

Dress modestly and conservatively in public and business settings, especially women. Avoid revealing clothing to prevent harassment. During Ramadan, food and drink can only be consumed after sunset and before sunrise, and work hours may be adjusted accordingly. Many companies have designated areas where non-Muslim employees can eat during fasting periods.

Healthcare

Although Bahrain has excellent healthcare facilities, the ambulance service is still in its infancy, so it is recommended to take a taxi to the hospital in case of emergencies. Expats qualify for low-cost health treatment offered through the public health system, but most are covered by their company's private health insurance plan.

Frequently asked questions