Dignity Shield

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Eighth consecutive Tier-1 ranking underscores a system built on law, enforcement, and worker protection

Bahrain has reaffirmed its global standing in human rights by maintaining its Tier-1 status in the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the eighth consecutive year - a distinction recognising the Kingdom’s comprehensive and institutional approach to combating trafficking in persons.

The report, which monitors 188 countries, awards Tier-1 status to nations that fully meet standards for victim protection. Since 2018, Bahrain has stood alongside advanced economies for its sustained compliance and integrated response mechanisms.

Law and prevention

A strong legislative base underpins this record. Law No. (1) of 2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Law No. 36 of 2012 regulating the private-sector labour market form the core of Bahrain’s framework, complemented by adherence to international conventions such as the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols.

Protection network At the institutional level, Bahrain created the Expatriate Protection Centre in 2015 - the first comprehensive facility of its kind in the Middle East - offering preventive, legal, and shelter services to victims. Two years later came the National Referral Mechanism, the region’s first, designed to coordinate early identification and reintegration efforts across government bodies.

Oversight and justice

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority established the Preventive Monitoring Directorate to detect workplace exploitation before it occurs, while the Wages Protection System and mandatory IBAN accounts for all expatriate workers reinforce transparency and help prevent wage disputes. A specialised Public Prosecution and Court handle trafficking cases, supported by a Victim Support Fund and an Office for the Protection of Victims and Witnesses.

Partnership and capacity

Through the ‘Working Together’ initiative with the International Organization for Migration, Bahrain continues to raise awareness among employers and workers. The Regional Centre for Training in Combating Trafficking in Persons further strengthens prevention by building skills among frontline officials in both public and private sectors.

This enduring Tier-1 ranking reflects an institutional system built on law, prevention, protection, and partnership - a model that keeps Bahrain among the world’s most consistent performers in defending human dignity.

Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Litchfield of the U.S. Embassy in Manama commended Bahrain for once again earning Tier 1 status in the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report - its eighth consecutive year at the highest ranking. She noted that this accomplishment highlights Bahrain’s sustained dedication and leadership in the effort to end human trafficking, adding that the embassy looks forward to building on its strong partnership with the Government of Bahrain and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to further advance these vital efforts.