Employer Transfer and Portability in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bahrain's 2009 kafala abolition and 2017 labour law amendments created the Gulf's most flexible employer transfer system:
- Transfer without employer consent: Under the 2017 amendments, foreign workers can transfer to a new employer without the current employer's approval in most cases — a right that does not exist in neighbouring Gulf states.
- Notice period: The worker must give the current employer written notice (typically 30 days for monthly-paid workers, or as specified in the employment contract).
- LMRA processing: The new employer submits a transfer request through the LMRA system. The LMRA processes it without requiring the old employer's signature.
- Abuse fast-track: If your employer is abusive, withholding salary, or confiscating your passport, the LMRA can process an expedited emergency transfer — often within days.
- Flexi Permit bridge: If a transfer takes time, you can switch to a Flexi Permit to maintain legal status while the new employer's application is processed.
When does it apply?
- You have a new job offer and want to change employers.
- Your current employer is withholding salary, confiscating your passport, or mistreating you.
- Your employer's business has closed and you need a new sponsor.
What to Do If You Want to Change Employers or Escape an Abusive Employer Through the LMRA System in Bahrain
- Secure a job offer from a new employer before initiating the transfer — they will need to submit the LMRA application.
- Give your current employer written notice as required by your contract (usually 30 days).
- Have the new employer submit the transfer request through the LMRA portal.
- If your employer is abusive or not paying, file a complaint with the LMRA to trigger the emergency transfer process — bring evidence of the abuse or non-payment.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave your job without notice — even though consent is not needed, notice is still required and abrupt departure can complicate the transfer.
- Do not let your visa expire during the transfer — coordinate timing with the LMRA, or switch to a Flexi Permit as a bridge.
- Do not pay middlemen or agents to facilitate transfers — the LMRA system is designed for direct processing.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employer transfer and portability?
You have a new job offer and want to change employers.Your current employer is withholding salary, confiscating your passport, or mistreating you.Your employer's business has closed and you need a new sponsor.
What should I do if I want to transfer to a new employer or leave a job in Bahrain without my current employer's permission?
Secure a job offer from a new employer before initiating the transfer — they will need to submit the LMRA application.Give your current employer written notice as required by your contract (usually 30 days).Have the new employer submit the transfer request through the LMRA portal.If your employer is abusive or not paying, file a complaint with the LMRA to trigger the emergency transfer process — bring evidence of the abuse or non-payment.
What should you NOT do — employer transfer and portability?
Do not leave your job without notice — even though consent is not needed, notice is still required and abrupt departure can complicate the transfer.Do not let your visa expire during the transfer — coordinate timing with the LMRA, or switch to a Flexi Permit as a bridge.Do not pay middlemen or agents to facilitate transfers — the LMRA system is designed for direct processing.