LMRA collects BD 7.88m from parallel Bahrainisation system in 2025

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) said it collected around BD 7.88 million in revenues from the parallel Bahrainisation system during 2025, covering the first 10 months up to the end of October.

In a statement, the authority said the fees were collected from 2,200 companies that issued 37,976 work permits for foreign workers employed above the mandatory Bahrainisation ratios set for businesses.

The LMRA applies Bahrainisation targets based on business sector. Companies that exceed the required ratio are charged BD 500 per foreign worker, with an additional BD 250 for annual renewal.

Replying to a parliamentary question, the authority said total revenues generated from the system over three years reached BD 26.55 million, covering the period from 2023 to October 2025.

The LMRA explained that the revenues came from fees on new work permits and renewals, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2016, as amended by Resolution No. (2) of 2019, aimed at ensuring compliance with Bahrainisation targets and regulating the labour market.

It clarified that the parallel Bahrainisation fee is an additional charge imposed when an employer requests work permits for foreign workers without meeting the required Bahrainisation level.

Providing yearly figures, the authority said the number of companies using the system stood at 2,394 in 2023, 2,308 in 2024, and 2,200 up to October 2025.

As for work permits issued under the system, 44,030 permits were issued in 2023, 44,476 in 2024, and 37,976 during the first 10 months of 2025.

The LMRA also noted that revenues in 2023 alone amounted to BD 9.41 million, including BD 3.51 million from new permits and BD 5.91 million from renewals.