Bahraini businesses have shown an unwavering compliance with regulations in 2023, with a 94.7% compliance rate achieved amidst intensifying inspection efforts by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
These figures underline the success of proactive measures to regulate and develop the Kingdom’s labour market, fostering a stable, competitive, and productive environment for all.
Nibras Talib, CEO of the LMRA, said that in implementing the government’s directives and the National Labour Market Plan 2023-2026, the LMRA has intensified its efforts to regulate and develop the labour market to maintain its fundamental elements of flexibility, justice, competitiveness and raising the level of productivity, thus contributing to ensuring the economic growth of the Kingdom and enhancing economic competitiveness.
LMRA significantly amplified its inspection efforts in 2023, conducting 47,023 inspection visits and campaigns. This dedication yielded numerous positive outcomes, namely:
Fair and Equitable Market: Robust enforcement ensures a level playing field for all businesses, protecting healthy competition, and safeguarding the rights of working parties.
Improved Working Conditions: Increased inspections guarantee adherence to labour laws and regulations, promoting a safe and dignified work environment.
The LMRA expresses its heartfelt thanks to compliant businesses and all government agencies contributing to these achievements, particularly the Ministry of Interior represented by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Evidence, the Sentence Enforcement Directorate and the Police Directorates, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and many others. This combined effort resulted in:
Reduced Irregular Workers: 4,232 irregular workers were identified, and legal measures were taken accordingly.
Effective Enforcement: 5,477 individuals went through legal proceedings leading to deportation.
Noora Isa Mubarak, Deputy Chief Executive for Enforcement and Protection at the LMRA, stressed the keenness to continue efforts to regulate the labour market, noting that the Authority carried out 47,023 inspection campaigns & visits during the past year (2023), consisting of 46,242 inspection visits, in addition to a rise in joint inspection campaigns by reaching 781 campaigns.
She added that the LMRA acknowledges the invaluable role of community involvement in upholding a fair and just labour market, calling all members of the community to report any complaints related to labour market violations and illegal practices by filling out the electronic form available on the official website www.lmra.gov.bh, or by calling the Authority’s call center 17506055, or through the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul).
Building on this momentum, the LMRA remains committed to its mission of fostering a thriving and responsible labour market. By prioritizing compliance, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Bahrain can unlock its full potential as a hub for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
