General Questions for the Labour Registration Program

How can I obtain a license to become a Labour Registration Centre?

Applying through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Commercial licenses system Sijilat If the applicant fulfills the licensing conditions, the approval will be issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s Licensing Directorate.

What are the accreditation conditions for Labour Registration Centres?

The applicant must have a valid Commercial Registration Certificate (CR).
The applicant must not be in breach of the provisions of Law No. (19) of 2006 regarding the organization of the labour market and the regulations and decisions issued for its implementation.
The applicant must prepare a suitable venue (subject to LMRA's approval) to receive applicants wishing to obtain a permit to practice professional activities.
The applicant must submit a certificate of good conduct.

What are the duties of the Labour Registration Centres?

Registering workers wishing to obtain a permit to practice professional activities and referring their applications to the LMRA, after verifying that they hold the required qualifications.
Entering and updating workers’ data on the designated electronic system specified by the LMRA. The data includes the worker's name, nationality, address, personal number, passport number, bank account information, contact numbers, activities authorized to engage in, and any information requested by the LMRA.
Providing the LMRA with statements and reports about the registered workers at the centre, after verifying the validity of their data, upon request.
Determining the number of workers in the centre who will carry out the task of registration in proportion to the number of workers registered with the centre, provided that LMRA may ask for this number to be increased.
Registration should be at the address of the centre indicated in the CR.
Commitment to Bahrainization percentage in employment, in accordance with applicable legislations and regulations.
Enabling LMRA inspectors to review all registered workers data.
Immediately notifying the LMRA of any change or update that occurs including, CR activity updates and declaration of bankruptcy.
Notifying the LMRA of any violations committed by the registered workers once the centre is made aware of them.
Commitment to all instructions issued by the LMRA.
Refraining from charging any amount or obtaining any benefit or privilege for any of the services provided by the centre in accordance with Board of Directors Resolution No. (1) of 2022 for workers.
Allowing the registered worker to transfer to another centre upon their request.

When is the accreditation of a Labour Registration Centre cancelled?

If the CR is not renewed.
If accreditation was obtained based on incorrect documents or information.
If the centre no longer meets one of the accreditation conditions.
The centre breaches any of the set conditions and regulations.
Issuance of a court verdict against the owner of the Labour Registration Centre in a felony or a misdemeanor.
The death of the owner of the centre, unless one of their heirs submits a request to transfer the activity to their name within a period not exceeding one year.
If the centre declares bankruptcy or if the CR is cancelled.
The owner of the centre requested in writing to cancel the activity.

Who is eligible to register in the Labour Registration Centres?

Workers present in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and whose permits expired or were cancelled before the decision was implemented.
Flexi permit holders.
Workers with no criminal records or absconding offenses.
Workers who are not in violation of their contracts.
Visit Visa holders are not eligible.

Are there channels to know if the worker is eligible for registration?

Through the Verification of Eligibility to Join Labour Registration Centres page on the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s website.
Sending a text message containing your ID (CPR) number to +973 33150150
Calling the Expatriate Services Call Centre +973 17103103

What are the obligations of a registered worker?

Workers must pay the prescribed fees for issuing a permit to practice a professional activity in addition to paying the set monthly fees.
Depositing a BHD 150 return insurance amount.
Completion of the required medical examination for employment.
Updating their data at the registration centre regularly.
Workers must carry the permit card at all times.
Workers must observe rules and regulations enforced in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
A registered worker is not allowed to obtain a commercial registry.

What are the fees for a registered worker permit?

Permit Duration	Admin Fees	Permit Issuance	Permit Card	Health Insurance	Residency Extension*	Ticket Insurance*	Monthly Fees
One Year	BHD 5	BHD 100	BHD 5	BHD 72	BHD 15	BHD 150	BHD 15
Two Years	BHD 5	BHD 200	BHD 5	BHD 144	BHD 15	BHD 150	BHD 15

*One-time payment upon issuance

What data/documents are required to register the worker?

Filled application form PDF (1.02 MB).
Copy of the applicant’s passport (must be valid for more than 6 months).
Official proof of IBAN.
Certificate and professional qualifications approved by the applicant's embassy (If applicable).

How can I change the Labour Registration Centre?

Conditions for Changing Labour Registration Centres

Registered Workers may change their registration centre after a minimum of 30 days from the date of registration.
Registered Workers must pay all their pending monthly fees.
The application will be approved by the Expatriate Services Directorate.

Steps to Change the Labour Registration Centre

Visit the new registration centre to submit the request.
Fill the required form to Request Change of Registration Centre.
The New registration centre will submit the application on the LMRA’s electronic system.
Biometric data collection (enrollment) appointment will be issued within 3 working days of the submission date by the Expatriate Services Directorate.

Can anyone outside of the Kingdom of Bahrain apply for a registered worker permit?

No, the worker must be in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

If the worker holds a visit visa, is it possible to apply for a registered worker permit?

Those who have a visit visa cannot apply for a registered worker's permit.

When the flexi permit holder transfers to the new system, how will the fees for the rest of the flexi permit period be dealt with?

The remaining fees for flexi permit holders will be deposited in their accounts with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.

When can I receive the refunds of the registered worker permit?

The registered worker can receive refunds after cancellation in case of:

Transfer to work with another employer.
Leaving the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Can a registered worker travel?

The registered worker can leave and return to the Kingdom of Bahrain as long as the permit is valid.

Is there a monthly fee for a registered worker permit?

Yes, there is a BHD 15 monthly fee for the registered worker permit.

Where can I pay the permit fees?

The fees for the registered worker permit can be paid at:

Cash Dispensing Machines at (SADAD) at:
- Approved Labour Registration Centres
- LMRA's Sitra Branch
Cash payment:
- Bahrain Financial Company (BFC).
Online payment channels:
- BenefitPay (Fawateer services): (1 year/ 2 years registration fees - monthly fees - BHD 60 top-up).

What are the communication channels of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority?

Website Labour Market Regulatory Authority
Expatriate Services Call Centre: +973 17103103
E-support: https://esupport.lmra.gov.bh/
E-mail: expat.services@lmra.gov.bh
Social Media:
The National Suggestions and Complaint System Tawasul

Last Update: Tuesday 28 March 2023