Bahrain's Flexible Work Permits: What You Need To Know

Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) introduced a flexible work permit in 2017. The Flexi Permit allows individuals to work in Bahrain without an employer or sponsor for one or two years and can be renewed. It is available to those whose work permits have been terminated or expired and not renewed by their employer. The Flexi Permit enables holders to work in any non-specialised occupation, excluding certain industries such as medicine, security, hotels, and restaurants. There are two types of Flexi Permits: the standard Flexi Permit and the Flexi Hospitality Permit, which allows work in the hospitality industry. Applicants for the Flexi Permit must cover various fees and provide a deposit for a ticket to their home country.

Who is eligible for a flexible work permit in Bahrain?

The Flexible Work Permit in Bahrain is a permit that allows a person to live and work in the Kingdom of Bahrain without a sponsor for a renewable period of one or two years. It is designed to optimise the work permit system in the country, creating more job opportunities for Bahrainis and prioritising citizens as the first choice of employment, while also preserving the rights of workers.

The Flexi Permit is available to expatriate employees whose work permits have been terminated or expired without renewal. It also applies to those who have not received their salaries and have a case in the labour court. This permit allows holders to work in any non-specialised occupation, excluding hotels, restaurants, and saloons.

The Flexi Hospitality Permit is a variation of the Flexi Permit, which permits the holder to work in any non-specialised occupation, including hotels, restaurants, and saloons. This type of permit requires the holder to undergo a special medical test.

To be eligible for the Flexible Work Permit, individuals must have a valid passport for more than six months and can check their eligibility by contacting the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) through their website or call centre.

What are the types of flexible work permits?

The flexible work permit in Bahrain is a permit that allows a person to work in Bahrain without an employer acting as a sponsor. It is valid for two years and can be renewed. A flexible work permit holder can work on a full-time, part-time, or contract basis for any number of employers.

There are two types of flexible work permits:

• The Flexi Permit: This permit allows the holder to work in any non-specialized job, excluding hotels, restaurants, and saloons.
• The Flexi Hospitality Permit: This permit allows the holder to work in any non-specialized job, including hotels, restaurants, and saloons.

The Flexi Hospitality Permit requires the holder to undergo a medical examination, while the Flexi Permit does not. It is important to note that the flexible work permit does not cover specialized fields such as medicine and security, and applicants will have to bear their own sponsorship, employment, healthcare, and insurance costs.

What are the rules and regulations of the flexible work permit?

The Flexible Work Permit in Bahrain is a permit that allows a person to work in the country without an employer acting as a sponsor. It is valid for one or two years and can be renewed. The permit holder can work full-time or part-time for any number of employers in all sectors except those that require special licensing, such as medicine and security. The Flexible Work Permit comes in two types: the standard Flexi Permit and the Flexi Hospitality Permit. The former does not allow the holder to work in hotels, restaurants, and saloons, while the latter does.

To be eligible for a Flexible Work Permit, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:

• Their work permit has been terminated.
• Their work permit has expired, and their employer has not renewed it.
• They have not received their salaries and have a case in the labour court.

The rules and regulations of the Flexible Work Permit include:

• Permit holders must pay a monthly fee of BD30 to avoid cancellation.
• Permit holders must carry their Blue Card at all times.
• Permit holders must not violate the laws and regulations of Bahrain.
• Only Flexi Hospitality Permit holders are allowed to work in restaurants, hotels, and salons.
• No dependents are allowed under a Flexible Work Permit holder.
• Permit holders are barred from registering industrial motor vehicles.
• Permit holders must not engage in activities other than those permitted under the Flexible Work Permit.

The application process for a Flexible Work Permit involves several steps:

• Ensuring that the applicant's passport is valid for more than six months.
• Sending an SMS with their CPR to a specified number.
• Waiting for two SMS replies from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) confirming eligibility and providing an appointment date and time.
• Completing the application process at the LMRA Expat Service Centre, including providing fingerprints, a signature, and a photograph.
• Paying the required fees, which include issuance fees, healthcare fees, and a social insurance fee.

How to apply for a flexible work permit in Bahrain

A flexible work permit in Bahrain is a new type of permit introduced by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in 2017. It is available exclusively to workers who have overstayed their visas due to exploitation by their employers. The permit allows the holder to work in Bahrain without an employer (sponsor) and is valid for two years, with the option to renew.

Check your eligibility:

To be eligible for a flexible work permit, your work permit must have been terminated or expired without renewal by your employer. Additionally, you must have overstayed your visa due to exploitation by your employer.

Prepare your documents:

Ensure that you have a valid passport with more than six months of validity remaining.

Initiate the application process:

Send an SMS with your CPR to 33 150 150 from your mobile number.

Wait for a response:

You will receive two SMS replies from LMRA. One message will confirm your eligibility, and the other will provide your appointment date and time with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

Confirm your appointment:

You will receive a call from the LMRA Call Centre at 17 103 103. Confirm your appointment to receive an appointment confirmation via SMS.

Attend your appointment:

Go to the LMRA Expat Service Centre at the Sitra Industrial Area on your scheduled appointment date and time. Bring your passport, the required fees (BD 449), and your mobile phone with the appointment confirmation SMS.

Complete the application process:

At the LMRA, you will need to provide your photograph, fingerprints, and signature. Complete the necessary requirements and pay the fees to obtain your Blue Card.

Please note that the flexible work permit requires a monthly fee of BD 30, and you must carry your Blue Card with you at all times, renewing it every six months.

Additionally, if you wish to work in hospitality (hotels, restaurants, and saloons), you will need to obtain the Flexi Hospitality Permit, which requires undergoing a medical examination at an authorized health centre.

The benefits of a flexible work permit for employers

The flexible work permit in Bahrain is a valuable option for employers, offering a range of benefits that promote a more dynamic and flexible workforce. Here are some key advantages:

Access to a Wider Talent Pool

The flexible work permit allows employers to tap into a diverse talent pool, including individuals who may not have been able to obtain traditional work permits. This is especially beneficial for filling roles that require specific skill sets that may be in short supply among the local workforce. By opening up opportunities to a broader range of applicants, employers can source the best talent for their organisations.

Simplified Hiring Process

With the flexible work permit, employers can hire individuals directly, without the need for a sponsor. This streamlines the hiring process, reducing the time and resources required to navigate complex sponsorship and visa procedures. It also enables employers to respond more swiftly to changing market demands and staff their projects with greater agility.

Cost Savings

The flexible work permit can result in significant cost savings for employers. Under this system, employers are only responsible for paying wages, rather than additional fees associated with traditional work permits, such as sponsorship and insurance costs. This can make hiring more affordable, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may have tighter budgets.

Enhanced Flexibility

The nature of the flexible work permit allows employers to adapt to fluctuations in their business needs. They can hire individuals on a full-time or part-time basis, for short-term projects or to meet seasonal demands. This flexibility helps employers optimise their resources and manage their workforce more efficiently, ensuring they have the right talent at the right time.

Legal Compliance

The flexible work permit is an officially recognised programme by Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). It provides a legal avenue for employers to hire individuals who may have previously been working illegally due to visa overstays or exploitation by previous employers. This helps to ensure that employers are operating within the law, reducing the risk of penalties and legal complications.

The flexible work permit in Bahrain thus empowers employers to build a more versatile and dynamic workforce, providing opportunities for both businesses and job seekers alike.

Frequently asked questions