Online report over ‘deporting expatriate workers’ dismissed

An online report, which stated that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development is officially set to deport expatriate workers in 38 various professional fields in April 2019, has been refuted. Officials representing the Ministry of Labour and Social Development have deemed the news posted by online news portal Arabia Today as ‘illegitimate’ and an attempt to misguide the public. Speaking to Tribune, Labour Ministry Undersecretary Sabah Al Dosari praised the contribution of the expatriate community in the Kingdom.

“There is no intention of deporting any expatriate worker from Bahrain. The Kingdom is very thankful for the contribution of expatriate workers towards the economy,” revealed Mr Al Dosari. “This is a very bad rumour that is making people worry,” he added. The article that was posted on the website during the early hours of Tuesday morning raised concern among various expatriate communities in Bahrain.

“The expatriate community is very dear to us and we have no intentions of deporting them. They will always be a part of the development of Bahrain,” assured Mr Al Dosari. “If they have any concerns they can always approach the Labour Relations Department or contact 80008001. We will be happy to provide assistance,” he added. The false article stated the Ministry plans to deport migrant workers between the ages of 30 and 58 years in a bid to avail positions in 38 different professions to Bahraini nationals.

The list of professions included pharmacist, driver, administrative clerk, public relation executive, storekeeper, carpenter, human resources officer, librarian, reporter, cashier and security guard, among others. Bahrain emerged among the best destinations for expat careers this year, according to a survey conducted by HSBC Expat.  The Kingdom came second, just behind Germany, in the Expat Explorer survey, which combed through insights from more than 22,000 expats to identify the best destinations for expat careers in 2019.