Information You Need To Know About Ministry of labor Bahrain

Everything You Need to Know About Ministry of Labor Bahrain

All countries in the world have different government entities with different functions for the benefit of society. One of the most important is the Ministry of Labor Bahrain, in the case of this small island nation. This institution’s mission is to regulate labor relations between workers and employers, promote employment and professional training. In addition, they are in charge of protecting the interests and rights of employees.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Ministry of Labor Bahrain. Among the topics that will be discussed are the functions and responsibilities of the entity. In addition, we will show you what are the rights, responsibilities and how they protect employees in this nation. As a result, you will be able to better understand the role and operation of the Ministry of Labor Bahrain. And not only that, but you will also understand what rights you would obtain when working in this country.

Know the functions of the Ministry of Labor in Bahrain

The local Ministry of Labor is the body that has the function of monitoring compliance with labor regulations. For this reason, it has the following functions:

• The issuance of the employment contract for the employee and employer: The MOL will send the employer the employment contract to request the work permit that corresponds to the employee. Thus, both the employer and the MOL must agree to all the terms and conditions of this contract. Likewise, the employee must agree with the terms and conditions established in the contract.
• Issue Employment Card: The Ministry of Labor  handles all aspects of the employment card. That is, they review and approve the request. The procedure corresponds to the employer who must do it in the Ministry of Labor.
• Approve and deliver work permits: Among the functions of the ministry is to issue work permits to those who wish to work legally within the country. Furthermore, it is illegal for the employer to hire a foreign person without first obtaining a work permit.
• Renew documents such as employment card and work permit: Both the work permit and the labor card depend on the duration of the employment contract of the foreign employee. For this reason, at the end of this, the employer must carry out the necessary procedures so that these documents can be renewed. It is important to note that the Ministry of Labor is not in charge of renewing work visas.
• Resolve any labor dispute: Part of the main function of the Ministry of Labor is to resolve any labor dispute between employees and employers. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that going to a labor court is difficult and expensive.

Bahrain Employment Law: Brief Facts

The Bahrain employment law is responsible for covering all aspects related to labor relations and employment. In this way, the Ministry of Labor Bahrain is in charge of carrying out and enforcing all the regulations for hiring people in the country. It is important that you take into account the most relevant aspects of this law.

The type of contract: According to Bahrain labor law, any contract is an agreement between the employee and the employer. In addition, this must be in writing and Arabic, if this is not the case, a copy must be attached that is in Arabic. The employer must print two copies, one for himself and one for the employee. In this way, when agreeing to the contract, both parties must sign it.

Regulations for working hours and overtime: The Bahrain labor law is responsible for establishing the weekly work schedule. These consist of 40 to 48 hours for 8 hours a day. However, this can decrease to 6 hours a day for Muslims during Ramadan. On the other hand, for each extra hour worked, you will receive 25% more than the payment that is normally made.

Salary and minimum salary: the salary must be equal to or higher than that paid in Western countries by the provisions of labor law. However, since there are no personal income taxes, this is higher. In Bahrain, there is no minimum wage established by the country’s labor law, but an estimate is:

• 300 BHD per month for employees with a high school degree and under the National Employment and Training Scheme.
• 380 BHD for diploma workers.
• 450 BHD according to the law for university students.

Resolution of labor disputes

To resolve labor disputes, you have to follow a few steps, according to labor law. The first of these is that both the employee and the employer try to resolve the problem amicably and through negotiation. However, if this is not possible, either party may file a complaint with the Individual Employment Dispute Resolution Agency. Being an organ that belongs to the Ministry of Works Bahrain.

After this, the agency will be in charge of examining the complaint and issuing a decision within a period of 15 days from the date of presentation. Thus, the decision must be notified to both parties in writing. On the other hand, if one of the parties does not agree with the decision, they may appeal to the Labor Court. Being this an organism that is in charge of all the subjects in labor matter.

Now, the Labor Court must resolve the appeal filed, within a period of 30 days from the date it was filed. It is important to note that the ruling issued by the Labor Court is final. However, this may change if it is a dispute that the value exceeds 500 BHD, which is approximately $1,320. If this occurs, a cassation appeal can be filed before the Supreme Civil Court.

Ensuring Worker Rights and Safety

Bahrain applies a legal system that is responsible for protecting the rights of foreign employees. In this way, different rules and systems that govern the relationship between the employer and the foreigner are included. Determining in this way what are the rights by the applicable standard and legislation. This is aimed at improving the labor relations that employees need.

In Bahrain, employees receive benefits and social security. Currently, the social security contribution is 12% for the employer and 7% for the employee. In this way, there is a total SIO of 19%. However, for foreign employees, they are 1% for them and 3% for the employer with a total of 4%. In the same way, the employer is the one who retains them and delivers them to the SIO every month.

There are provisions in Bahrain’s labor law that must be complied with. Among these are the right to leave for vacations, illnesses, earned wages, and hours of work. In addition, the law establishes that an employee must receive 30 days of vacation and other limits. All this with a maximum of 8 hours of work.

Failure to comply with the provisions of the labor law can cause serious legal consequences and sanctions. For the private sector, the fines range between 100 and 500 BHD for each employee who has been affected. In addition, if there is recidivism, the fines may increase and there may even be imprisonment. Companies can even be fined if they do not provide an adequate and safe environment.

Learn about the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labor in Bahrain

Its main responsibility is to regulate labor relations in the country’s private sector. The Ministry of Labor has the vision of being a strategic partner for the sustainable development of human resources and the emirate.

All workers and employers who are in the region must know what are all the responsibilities that the MOL has. Knowing this information, you can call the employment contact number to request any support on employment issues.

MOL has two divisions, each with different assignments. Next, you will see the responsibilities of the first division of MOL, in charge of human resources.

• In principle, they must supervise the correct application of the labor law.
• Enforce the rules and regulations that employers and employees must abide by.
• In addition, they manage the labor market.
• Propose and develop labor policies that promote the country’s labor market.
• Manage both labor relations. This includes conflicts that may arise, for this, you must have the complaint number.
• Design jobs and increase productivity.

There is the second division of MOHRE, which is in charge of Emiratization and has the following responsibilities.

• The first and most important is to monitor the implementation of the Emiratization policy.
• Impose prudent sanctions on companies that do not meet the emirate criteria. To clarify, it is in the private sector exclusively.
• Provide professional advice to citizens regarding the labor market.
• Professionally train and prepare programs for citizens seeking employment.
• Supervise the working class of the companies.
• Carry out both field and administrative studies on the labor market.

Important Information about Working in Bahrain

Before starting to work in Bahrain, there are certain aspects that you should know. For instance, the authority in charge of labor matters is the Bahrain Ministry of Labor. In this section, you will see all the things you must do before working in this country.

• Prepare all the papers and the visa you need in advance: Anyone who wants to work and live legally in Bahrain must have a valid residence visa. This document is sponsored by your employer. On the other hand, if you are an employee who is going to work for a short time in the country, you can request alternative documents.
• Applying for work permits: Foreign workers must have the approval of the Ministry of Labor Bahrain before signing a labor contract. Therefore, they make sure that the level of the possible worker is by the proposed position.
• Have a working understanding of the language: Labor law requires that all employment contracts and records be written in Arabic. In other words, if the document is delivered in a bilingual format, a problem will likely arise.
• Apply for a health care plan: Make sure you have all the correct paperwork before you move. One of the first things you should prepare must be the standard of medical care.
• Do not work until the Ministry of Labor Bahrain gives you approval: The Ministry of Labor Bahrain must register the contract to grant a work permit and residence visa to the employee. Without these documents, do not start work. Thus, you avoid any legal problems.
• Get advice: It is important that you do your research and ask for all the information about how to be an employee in Bahrain. To do this, you can go directly to the Ministry of Labor Bahrain.

Work Visas and Requirements

To obtain a work visa in Bahrain, your employer or citizen of the country must sponsor you. Most of the requests will be handled by the sponsor on behalf of the employee. For this, you must show the commercial registration number, a letter of employment, and the capacity of the employee. In addition, you have to submit information about the employment contract. For instance, the duration of the treaty.

There are other requirements that the Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) will request, which are:

• The passport of the possible employee or worker.
• Complete the visa application form, that is, with all the information requested.
• A passport-size photo, with all the indications that they indicate.
• Photocopy of the employment contract with the date of birth, nationality, and name of the employee.
• Health records which you can obtain at an authorized clinic.
• Proof of payment of the fee for a cost of 100BD.

The Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is the body in charge of issuing all visas. Foreigners must have this document before arriving in the country. In addition, you must present a medical report and prove your professional experience or academic qualifications.

On the other hand, as you already know the entire process to apply for visas; it is time to be aware of some types of visas that exist.

Business Visa: People who intend to stay in Bahrain for more than 7 days on business need a business visa. This long-stay permit is valid for a maximum of 1 month, and the duration varies depending on the type of trip.

Work Visa: Employees who are traveling for any type of employment will need work visas. This permit is valid for a maximum of two years and they also have the right to a residence for workers.

Facilitating Employment Opportunities

To boost job opportunities in the market, there is a plan the government designed that consists of three points.

Match educational products with labor market needs and strengthen infrastructure for technical and vocational training: The government is currently working to implement initiatives to advance education and training. These sectors have benefits if they get a solid infrastructure. All this is accompanied by the promulgation of mechanisms and laws to supervise the performance of educational training institutions.

One of the main things that drives the government is to implement and develop a sustainable plan for post-secondary education. To achieve this, the modernization of the post-secondary education system must be carried out. In addition, the increase in the performance of the relevant sectors of education and training with the needs of workers.

Make citizens the elected employees in the private sector: In this three-step plan, the main objective is to ensure that the citizens of Bahrain get training priority. And not only that but also to the development of skills and employment prospects. It is important to increase the participation of Bahraini citizens to ensure that the efforts of state agencies are successful.

Promote the hiring of qualified foreigners: This plan requires that expatriate workers with the experiences, skills, and talents demanded by the labor market be favored. It is important that the hiring of foreign employees hire them in the sectors that cover the shortage of skills in the market.

Why should you choose EOR Middle East to work with you?

EOR Middle East is a company that provides Employer of Record (EOR) services in Bahrain and throughout the Middle East. There are many reasons why you might consider hiring the services of this great company. For instance, they provide pay and benefits management for your employees in Bahrain. In addition, they provide assistance with the necessary documentation to work, live and hire remote employees in this country.

For this, and many more reasons, EOR Middle East can help you comply with local regulations. As a consequence, you will avoid the different legal risks when employing talent in Bahrain. To contract the services of EOR Middle East, you have three different forms of contact. The first is to enter their website, in the contact section. The second is by phone, taking advantage of the 30 minutes that the advisers provide you. Lastly, via email at [email protected].