Bahrain Employment and Career News
New law permits workers to switch jobs
Bahrain is likely to pass a new regulation that permits foreign workers to switch jobs without consent of the employer, revealed the Labour Minister, Majeed al Alawi yesterday.
The new regulation (Decree 79 for 2009) is the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf and follows three years of deliberation, with inputs provided by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). This will be implemented by early August.
The Law is hoped to put an end to the Bahraini Sponsor system, wherein several hundreds of foreigners are charged a “visa fee” to work with another employer. The workers were so far not allowed to switch jobs without permission of their sponsor.
This regulation which passed both upper and lower houses will help in reducing the number of expatriates entering Bahrain for work related purposes.
The Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Al Alawi, says that the end of sponsor system is the most important aspect of the law, as in my opinion, the phenomena does not differ much from slavery system, and such a system does not suit a modernised country like Bahrain. The new law will help in breaking this system and will put an end to the absolute power that the employers own over the foreign workers.
The Authority will scan the requests of workers seeking job changes, and ensure that they fall within the framework of the law. Any legal differences between employer and employee, however, should be resolved through courts.
Bahrain is also considering the possibility of government sponsoring foreign workers. The new regulation is hoped to bring about a balance between employer and employee.
As per the demands by BCCI, the employer has the right to terminate a staff contract and deport him with a month’s notice. An employee can also leave his/her job, giving three months notice to the company.
According to Al Alawi, the new law will help in revitalizing the labour market in the country.
The government also plans to put a cap on the number of foreigners entering the country and a decision to this effect will be announced this year, Alawi said.
Al Alawi pointed out that as long as the sponsor system continues, the foreigners will be compelled to work for low pay and wages. Al Alawi pointed out that last year at least 3850 expat workers switched sponsors without disruption, and expressed confidence that this law will help in improving things.
Posted on 7/5/2009
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