MANAMA, September 8, 2026: The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain has released enforcement data for August 2026, revealing the execution of 3,152 inspection campaigns and visits nationwide. These operations resulted in the detention of 77 irregular workers and the deportation of 543 individuals. The LMRA emphasized that these inspections, aimed at enforcing residency and labor market laws, will continue through joint efforts with various government agencies.
- 3,152 inspection campaigns and visits executed nationwide in August 2026.
- 77 irregular workers detained and 543 individuals deported.
- 2,973 visits to shops and commercial establishments and 179 joint campaigns conducted.
The 3,152 inspections comprised 2,973 visits to shops and commercial establishments and 179 joint campaigns. Regional distribution included 93 campaigns in the Capital Governorate, 27 in Muharraq, 27 in the Northern Governorate, and 32 in the Southern Governorate. Collaborating agencies included the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), police directorates, the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science, Civil Defence, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, municipalities, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the Social Insurance Organization, the Electricity and Water Authority, and the National Health Regulatory Authority.
While the LMRA did not provide a breakdown of nationalities among those deported, the Indian community—numbering over 300,000 in Bahrain—remains one of the largest expatriate groups, with significant representation in construction, contracting, and maintenance. Authorities warned that working on a visit visa is illegal and punishable by fines and deportation. Furthermore, workers are cautioned not to begin employment with a new sponsor until the transfer process is officially complete and a new work permit is issued. The LMRA also clarified that statutory costs such as work permit fees and health insurance must be borne by the employer, not the employee.
Workers in distress may contact the Expatriate Workers Protection and Support Centre via the 24-hour hotline at 995, or the LMRA general call center at 17506055. For Indian citizens, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain provides assistance for labor issues via its Community Welfare and Labour section at +973 17180529 or email at wel2.bahrain@mea.gov.in. A 24x7 emergency number is also available at +973 39418071. Workers are advised to regularly verify their passport validity, residency status, work permit expiry, and ensure their actual employment matches their official contract and sponsor records.
