Employment Visa and Work Permit 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 LMRA-managed work permit system replaced kafala sponsorship, giving workers more mobility than anywhere else in the Gulf:
- LMRA-issued permits: The employer applies for a work permit through the LMRA. While the permit is linked to a specific employer and role, you can transfer to a new employer without your current sponsor's consent — a right unique to Bahrain in the Gulf.
- Duration: Work permits are typically issued for 1 or 2 years, renewable through the LMRA before expiry.
- Medical fitness: All foreign workers must pass a medical examination at an LMRA-approved clinic as a condition for permit issuance.
- Labour market fee: Employers pay a monthly fee per foreign worker to the LMRA — this fee funds Tamkeen programmes and incentivises hiring Bahraini nationals.
- Written contract required: You must have a written employment contract approved by the LMRA. Working without a valid permit is illegal for both worker and employer.
When does it apply?
- You have a job offer in Bahrain and need to understand the visa and work permit process.
- Your work permit is approaching expiry and needs renewal.
- Your employer has not obtained or renewed your work permit despite your continued employment.
What to Do If Your Employer Has Not Obtained Your Work Permit or Your Permit Is Expired in Bahrain
- Verify your employer has applied for your work permit before travelling to Bahrain — check the LMRA portal with your passport number.
- Complete the medical examination at an LMRA-approved clinic promptly after arrival.
- Keep copies of your work permit, employment contract, CPR card, and passport in a secure place separate from your employer.
- If your permit expires or your employer fails to renew, contact the LMRA immediately — you may be eligible for a Flexi Permit or expedited transfer.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid work permit — this exposes you to fines, detention, and deportation.
- Do not surrender your passport to your employer — passport confiscation is illegal under Bahrain law and you can report it to the LMRA or police.
- Do not assume you are trapped with an abusive employer — Bahrain's post-kafala system explicitly allows you to transfer or go to a Flexi Permit.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employment visa and work permit?
You have a job offer in Bahrain and need to understand the visa and work permit process.Your work permit is approaching expiry and needs renewal.Your employer has not obtained or renewed your work permit despite your continued employment.
What should I do if my employer in Bahrain has not applied for my work permit or my work permit has expired?
Verify your employer has applied for your work permit before travelling to Bahrain — check the LMRA portal with your passport number.Complete the medical examination at an LMRA-approved clinic promptly after arrival.Keep copies of your work permit, employment contract, CPR card, and passport in a secure place separate from your employer.If your permit expires or your employer fails to renew, contact the LMRA immediately — you may be eligible for a Flexi Permit or expedited transfer.
What should you NOT do — employment visa and work permit?
Do not work without a valid work permit — this exposes you to fines, detention, and deportation.Do not surrender your passport to your employer — passport confiscation is illegal under Bahrain law and you can report it to the LMRA or police.Do not assume you are trapped with an abusive employer — Bahrain's post-kafala system explicitly allows you to transfer or go to a Flexi Permit.