BAHRAIN: Around 10,000 foreigners, who have been working illegally in Bahrain, have left without facing any penalties, as part of a general amnesty.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chief executive Ausamah Alabsi said, what has been achieved in “Amnesty Period” in less than two months is a “remarkable success”, as the workers numbers who availed from it exceeds the sum of what has been achieved in 2007 and 2009.

He also expected more migrants will use the chance till December 31 of this year.

Alabsi also praised the cooperation of all parties to ensure the success of this campaign.

“During the amnesty period a worker can either leave the country without paying fines or has the option to find an employer ready to hire him so he can stay in the country,” he said.

There are around 61,000 illegal migrants in Bahrain who have either lost their passports or do not have one and overstaying. Respective embassies were asked to help them in providing emergency outpass certificates.

According to Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain, there are around 30,000 illegal Bangladeshis staying here. The embassy was asked to assist them in providing emergency outpass certificates.

Many Bangladeshis, however, have taken the benefit.

“There will be no blacklisting for all those who voluntarily depart the country, which means the possibility of returning at any time regardless of their legal status,” said Al Absi.

To stay and work legally in Bahrain, the worker should fill in an intention to transfer form and submit it to their new employer, who will upload the documents and apply for a work permit through the LMRA’s online portal.

“An illegal worker does not need the consent of the previous employer to get legal employment during this period,” Al Absi added.

LMRA chief executive further said, “The old employer cannot stop these workers from taking up new jobs and we will assist companies to hire them in case they require additional work permits,” he added.

He explained that of the 10,000 illegal workers, 8,000 have legally joined a new employer, while 2,000 preferred to leave the country with the possibility of returning to Bahrain when they’ve secured new employment.

Interested person were advised to visit www.lmra.bh website or call 17506055.

BDST: 1053 HRS, SEP 01, 2015
SR/AKA/SMS