Workers can change employers after one year without consent, government tells Parliament

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Expatriate workers in Bahrain can transfer to a new employer after completing one year of service, even without approval from their current employer, the government has confirmed in a reply to Parliament.

The response came after MPs submitted an urgent proposal calling for stricter controls on worker transfers while contracts are still active. Authorities said the existing legal framework already addresses these concerns.

Under Article 25 of Law No. 19 of 2006, a worker may move provided the transfer does not violate the employer’s rights under the law or contract.

The law also provides a grace period after a work permit expires or is cancelled, allowing transfers to proceed while barring the worker from taking another job during that time.

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) requires workers to notify their current employer by registered letter within a three-month notice window.

Transfers are blocked in certain cases, including criminal convictions, violations of work permit terms, or failure to meet permit conditions.

The LMRA also reviews new employer applications to ensure fees are paid, rights are protected, and social insurance and Wage Protection System rules are met.

Employers retain the right to take legal action if a transfer harms their contractual or legal rights.