Bahrain-bound OFWs reminded of new policy requirement for work permits

FILE: Passengers waiting to board their flight. (PCI photo)

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Kingdom of Bahrain will require manpower agencies to pay insurance deposits for every work permit, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a press release, the DMW advised licensed manpower agencies of the latest regulatory requirement issued by the Ministry of Labour (MOL) and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The regulatory announcement was made on Nov. 5 by the LMRA through its Chair and Minister of Labour, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, according to Migrant Workers Office-Bahrain officer-in-charge Celia Viernes-Cabadonga in her report to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

“The new measure is aimed at protecting both the workers and the agencies involved, ensuring that the financial burden of repatriation will not be shouldered by workers in cases of contract termination or other related circumstances,” Cabadonga said.

Under the new regulation, agencies have been required to pay 150 Bahraini dinars or about PHP23,406 as insurance for every work permit issued, in addition to the regular work permit.

The insurance deposit will be used to pay for repatriation costs should the worker be terminated.

“The government views this as a positive update on the regulation of the country for its temporary workers, as it will relieve the burden of costs from the worker,” Cacdac said.

The LMRA clarifies that the new policy applies only to licensed manpower agencies that provide temporary workers on hourly, daily, monthly, or yearly contracts.

The DMW said the regulatory update will be in effect after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Kingdom of Bahrain.