What are some of the ways that I can verify my work permit status in Bahrain?

LMRA Expatriate Portal You can use the LMRA Expatriate Portal to do LMRA Bahrain visa check by entering your passport number, application ID, CPR number or any other number under the Status Enquiry or Verification section.

Does the employer have a legal obligation to pay the work permit fees?

Yes, according to the Bahraini Labour Law, all expenses of issuing and renewing Bahrain Work Permit and Residency Permit inclusive of fees, medical examinations and entry/exit air tickets are usually borne by the sponsoring employer.

Will relatives accompany me on my work permit?

Yes, upon your issuance of a Bahrain Work Permit, you may sponsor your immediate family (spouse and children under 24) on a Dependent Visa (Family Visa). Most of the time you have to earn a minimum monthly salary amount (BHD 400).

Bahrain Work Permit for Foreign Employees

Nightmares about getting a career opportunity in the Kingdom of Bahrain? Bahrain is one of the best destinations to expatriates due to its vibrant economy and friendly nature. Each foreign employee must have a valid Bahrain Work Permit to legally reside and work in the Kingdom which is also a type of employment as well as a residency visa.

Obtain Sponsorship and Satisfy Pre-Requirements

This is dependent on the legitimacy of the job offer and employer sponsorship since the employer will be the one to kickstart the New Expatriate Permit application.

The following are the key Work Permit Prerequisites:

Employer Sponsorship: You should be sponsored by a Bahraini registered and licensed employer. The standard work permit route cannot be used by the freelancers or the contractors.
LMRA Compliance: Your employer has to be registered with the LMRA and fulfil the Bahrainisation quota (the national policy of having a minimum percentage of Bahraini employees).
Age: The candidate should in general be aged between 18 to 60.
Contract: Binding Employment Contract is necessary, preferably in more than 2 languages (Arabic/English).

Application is Submitted by the Employer to LMRA

The initial application to the Bahrain work permit is done by the sponsoring company using the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS). This normally starts after receiving the employment offer and submitting the necessary forms.

Necessary Document List (To the Employee)

The following copies will be mandatory and will have to be uploaded by the employer at the EMS portal:

Valid Passport: Photocopy of the complete passport, which has a minimum of six months (two years is highly preferred).
Passport-Sized Photograph: Photograph of particular size, recently taken.
Employment Contract: Both parties sign and it specifies the salary, job position, and termination period (1 or 2 years).
Attested Educational Certificates: Documents of your school qualifications which might have to be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country of origin.
Medical Examination Report: The recent Medical Certificate of a clinic accredited by the Gulf Health Council (Wafid) in your home country. This is the screening of such diseases as HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and Tuberculosis.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): A fresh piece of paper indicating a clear criminal record by your home country.
Important LMRA Step: The employer should in most cases carry out Labour Market Testing (advertising the vacancy in Bahrain at least seven days) to be able to make sure that no qualified Bahraini national is available before final approval.

Making Fees and Issuance of Permits

When the LMRA receives the documents and ensures the compliance of the employer, the application is approved. The employer then submits the official government fee and manufactures the work permit.

Processing Time

Bahrain visa processing time is generally effective:

Standard Applications (Outside Bahrain): It takes about 1 to 2 weeks following the period of Labour Market Testing (which may require 14 days).
within Bahrain (Transfer/Change Status): As quick as 3 working days to LMRA approval.

E-visa to Bahrain and Finalization of Residency (NPRA)

Having the work permit, you will be able to travel to Bahrain. The last step entails getting your Bahrain ID card and Residency Permit.

Post-Arrival Steps

Immigration: Once there, you will give the copy of the work permit that has been approved to the immigration officer.
NPRA/Biometrics: You are obliged to submit an application to the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) where:
Final Medical Examination: This is a compulsory medical examination performed in an NHRA-approved clinic in Bahrain as a verification of fitness to work.
Biometric Data: Fingerprinting and biometric data.
Issuance of Residency Card: Once these steps have been done successfully, the Bahrain Residence Permit (also referred to as your CPR or Smart Card) will be given. This is your valid identity card and has to be carried around with you.

Work Permit Renewal and transfer

Normal Bahrain Work Permit will last 1 or 2 years.

Renewal: This is done through the employer through the LMRA EMS system prior to the expiry date. The employee will have to give a medical exam prior to renewal.
Transfer: Bahrain has a labor law that enables employees to change the place of work, which in other words implies that you can transfer your labour permit to a new employer, although you should give the appropriate notice to your current employer (usually 30 days). This is done under the LMRA.

FAQs

What are some of the ways that I can verify my work permit status in Bahrain?

LMRA Expatriate Portal You can use the LMRA Expatriate Portal to do LMRA Bahrain visa check by entering your passport number, application ID, CPR number or any other number under the Status Enquiry or Verification section.
Does the employer have a legal obligation to pay the work permit fees?

Yes, according to the Bahraini Labour Law, all expenses of issuing and renewing Bahrain Work Permit and Residency Permit inclusive of fees, medical examinations and entry/exit air tickets are usually borne by the sponsoring employer.
Will relatives accompany me on my work permit?

Yes, upon your issuance of a Bahrain Work Permit, you may sponsor your immediate family (spouse and children under 24) on a Dependent Visa (Family Visa). Most of the time you have to earn a minimum monthly salary amount (BHD 400).

Final Thoughts

The procedure of obtaining a Bahrain Work Permit of Foreign Employees is smooth and direct to a great extent, which is due to the digitalization process of the LMRA. Ensuring that your employer is adhering to the laws and quotas of labour in Bahrain and by getting all your personal papers in order; including your attested certificates, police clearance etc you will greatly increase your chances of a quick and successful application.

Disclaimer

This article is not a research article, it is purely informative and educational. It is highly recommended that the readers should confirm all the application information, documents requirement and the existing fee patterns directly on the official websites of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence (NPRA) before coming to any decision.