Bahrain Plans Digital Platform to Monitor Recruitment Costs for Domestic Workers

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The government has announced that it is working on developing a digital platform to enhance oversight over all processes related to the recruitment of foreign workers, including domestic workers.

This move aims to improve transparency and regulation, particularly concerning the rising costs of hiring domestic help, which have drawn increasing public concern. Authorities say the platform will help track all transactions and procedures related to recruitment.

In its official response to a proposal from the Shura Council, the government affirmed that it is taking additional steps to regulate the prices charged by recruitment agencies for bringing in domestic workers. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is tasked with requiring agencies to justify any price hikes. If unjustified increases are found, appropriate actions will be taken.

The government is also studying the possibility of requiring recruitment offices to submit audited financial reports regularly. This would help determine their actual profit margins and explore the feasibility of setting a limit on allowable profit percentages.

Additionally, Bahrain is working to sign memorandums of understanding with labour-sending countries. These agreements could help reduce recruitment costs and streamline the process of hiring workers directly.

However, the government expressed reservations about the Shura Council’s proposal to impose fixed prices for hiring domestic workers. Officials believe that setting a fixed price may hurt the
competitiveness of recruitment agencies, especially when it comes to the variety and quality of services they offer.

They also raised concerns that this could lead agencies to favor hiring from countries where recruitment costs are lower and profit margins are higher, potentially limiting the options available to citizens.

The efforts reflect a balancing act — ensuring fair pricing and oversight while maintaining service quality and recruitment choices for citizens.