Bahrain Permits 90-Day Temporary Work Assignments for Expats
Bahrain has introduced a significant regulatory update designed to increase workforce flexibility across the kingdom. Under Resolution No. 2 of 2026, issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in September 2026, eligible foreign workers can now undertake temporary work assignments with different employers for up to 90 days.
New Rules for Short-Term Assignments
The new policy allows expatriate workers who currently hold valid work permits in Bahrain to support other businesses on a short-term basis. However, the regulation specifically excludes domestic staff from this arrangement.
A key advantage of this framework is that the worker's original work permit remains valid throughout the duration of the assignment. This eliminates the need for a permanent transfer of employment or sponsorship, making it much easier for businesses to manage fluctuating staffing needs.
Mandatory Requirements for Approval
To ensure the legal integrity of these assignments, the LMRA has established several mandatory requirements. For an assignment to proceed, the following conditions must be met:
- Written consent must be obtained from the worker.
- The original employer must provide their formal agreement.
- The receiving employer must also agree to the arrangement.
- Official approval must be processed through the LMRA Expat Management System.
The policy also allows for the deployment of workers within the same group of companies, provided that specific regulatory conditions are satisfied.
Financial Obligations and Legal Protections
The resolution outlines clear financial responsibilities for companies involved in these temporary arrangements. The receiving employer is required to pay an administrative fee of BHD 5. Furthermore, additional fees may be applicable if there are differences in the Bahrainisation rates between the original and the receiving employer.
To protect the rights of the expatriate workforce, the law mandates joint liability. Both the original employer and the receiving employer are held responsible for ensuring that the worker's rights are fully upheld during the term of the assignment.
Supporting Business Agility
Announced in late September 2026 and effective immediately, the measure is intended to help businesses meet short-term staffing requirements without the necessity of recruiting new staff from overseas. At the same time, it provides increased flexibility for expatriate workers to utilize their skills in different professional environments.