Discover how Bahrain checked 3,152 workplaces in August, leading to 77 detentions and 543 deportations across all four governorates.
- 3,152 total inspection campaigns and field visits conducted
- 77 irregular workers detained and 543 violators deported
- Joint campaigns done with immigration, police, and other entities
On Thursday, September 3, 2026, the
Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain released an enforcement report detailing labor market activities conducted during August 2026. The authority performed a total of
3,152 inspection campaigns and field visits across the country. These enforcement actions resulted in the detention of
77 irregular workers and the deportation of
543 violators. The inspections were conducted across all four governorates, targeting shops, commercial establishments, and various workplaces.
Joint campaigns were carried out in collaboration with multiple entities, including immigration, police, civil defence, commerce, municipalities, tourism, social insurance, electricity-water, and health regulators. The 3,152 total actions comprised
2,973 individual inspection visits to establishments and
179 joint inspection campaigns. The breakdown of joint campaigns by region included 93 in the Capital Governorate, 27 in Muharraq, 27 in the Northern Governorate, and 32 in the Southern Governorate. These operations focused on enforcing the Labour Market Regulatory Authority Law and the Bahrain Residency Law. While Bahrain is home to approximately 315,000 Indian citizens, the
LMRA did not release a nationality-wise breakdown of those detained or deported.
The LMRA has issued
official guidance to expatriate workers to ensure legal compliance. Workers are advised to possess a valid work permit and ensure they are employed under the legal arrangement for which their permit was issued. The authority emphasized that a visit visa does not grant work rights, and residency status alone is insufficient for employment without a proper work permit. Workers must ensure they work only for the employer and at the location specified in their permit. During job transfers, employees are cautioned against beginning work for a new employer until the transfer process is officially complete and a new work permit is issued; offer letters or verbal confirmations are not sufficient. Furthermore, the LMRA clarified that
employers are responsible for work permit fees and health insurance, and workers should not pay for these costs themselves. Workers are encouraged to keep digital or physical copies of their passport, CPR identity details, employment contracts, and work permit information. Discrepancies between actual job roles and permit designations should be addressed by updating LMRA records. The LMRA stated that the
543 deportations recorded in August reflect a cumulative process and are not limited to the 77 workers detained during that month. For reporting illegal labor practices or seeking assistance, individuals can contact the LMRA call center at 17506055 or use the electronic reporting form on the official LMRA website.
