5,286 Deportations in 2025 as Inspections Continue Into 2026

More than 5,286 illegal foreign workers were deported during 2025 and the period from January 1 to January 10, 2026, according to official figures compiled from weekly inspection reports issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, reflecting an intensified nationwide campaign to regulate the labour market.

Statistics show that the authority carried out 59,337 inspection visits and 863 joint inspection campaigns during 2025, resulting in the detection of 960 illegal and irregular workers. The inspections formed part of ongoing efforts to enforce labour and residency laws and ensure compliance across all sectors.

These figures were compiled through a review of the authority’s weekly reports published throughout the year, alongside early 2026 data.

Inspections

Inspection activity continued into mid January 2026. Between January 11 and 17 alone, the authority conducted 850 inspection campaigns and visits, leading to the detection of 11 illegal workers and the deportation of 150 violators.

During that week, a total of 813 inspection visits were carried out at shops and workplaces across all governorates, in addition to 37 joint inspection campaigns. These included 18 campaigns in the Capital Governorate, two in Muharraq, seven in the Northern Governorate, and 10 in the Southern Governorate.

The inspections identified multiple violations of labour and residency regulations, including breaches of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority Law and the Residence Law of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Legal action was taken against all violators.

Coordination

The joint campaigns were conducted in coordination with relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, security directorates in the governorates, investigation and criminal evidence units, and authorities responsible for the implementation of alternative sentences and penalties. Other participating entities included the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the General Authority for Social Insurance, and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

The authority stressed that coordination with government agencies will continue to intensify inspections across all governorates. It said the objective is to curb violations that negatively affect the stability and competitiveness of the labour market or threaten economic and social security.

The authority renewed its call for public cooperation, urging citizens and residents to report labour market violations through official reporting channels, stressing that community engagement remains essential to protecting the labour market and society as a whole.