MPs bat for more efforts to combat illegal employment

MPs called for more official efforts to combat the illegal employment (free visa) phenomenon, claiming that the measures taken by the authorities “are not adequate”.

This was stated by a panel formed by the Council of Representatives to investigate and eliminate illegal employments issues in the country. 

The statements came as committee members visited the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to discuss the details of residency permits issuance processes.

The committee, which was formed last March, is headed by MP Adel Al Assoomy and consist of member MPs Anas Buhindi, Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoudh, Hamad Al Dossary, Thiyab Al Nuaimi, Ali Al Muqla, Majeed Al Asfoor, Mohsen Al Bakry, Ghazi Al Rahma and Nasser Al Qasseer.

During their visit, committee members met LMRA CEO Ausamah Al Absi and other officials of the authority.

MP Al Mahfoudh said during their meetings, the MPs discussed several related subjects with LMRA officials, including the negative impact of free visa employees on citizens and employers.

“We explained that the strategies set by the authority to rectify the situations of illegal employment have not shown any positive results yet, as many areas in the country still suffer from this phenomenon,” Al Mahfoudh said.

He added, “Despite the highly appreciated performance of LMRA personnel, the free visa employees issue remains and is impacting all aspects of the society, such as security, economy, morality and health, especially in some areas where this category of people has considered as shelters for them.”

“We received many promises from the concerned parties in this matter, but nothing was translated into actions,” he commented.

Speaking on similar lines, MP Al Asfoor highlighted that LMRA inspectors require more privileges and authorities to enable them of detecting violators in all areas.

At the same time, Al Asfoor called for more cooperation between the committee and the authority in regards to the latest progress in their efforts to eliminate this phenomenon.