MANAMA: Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain has offered a six-month general amnesty for workers staying illegally in the country.
LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi recently declared the general amnesty for illegal workers.
The amnesty, to begin from July 1, will give a grace period for those undocumented workers to either pay fines or leave the country, says Al Absi.
The LMRA chief executive also said, “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,”.
“It’s time that we clean up the labour market – and let me make it clear, all bets are off after the amnesty as the law will be applied with full force against illegal workers,” he added.
All were asked to contact 17506055 of LMRA call center for further details.
The illegal works have to regularize their affairs by December 31 as after the date a crackdown will begin.
The LMRA database says some 61,000 workers are staying in Bahrain illegally, having run away from their employers, overstayed their visas, or stayed on in the country beyond the end of a work contract.
“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,” Al Absi added.
It is mentionable that Bangladesh ambassador to Bahrain Major General KM Mominur Rahman was taking relentless efforts for the amnesty since taking office.
He, in separate meetings, sought intervention of Bahrain's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker, Interior Minister Lt. General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority chief executive Ausamah Al Absi to legalize the illegal Bangladeshis, to allow a legitimate way for them who want to leave the country.
However, a festive atmosphere is prevailing among illegal Bangladeshi workers in Bahrain after the declaration of a general amnesty.
BDST: 1245 HRS, JUN 29, 2015
RS/RR
