Bahrain Approves 90-Day Temporary Work for Expats
Foreign workers in Bahrain can now take on short-term roles with a second employer for up to 90 days, thanks to a new regulation introduced by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). This policy shift allows eligible expatriates to engage in temporary employment without the need to transfer their existing work permits.
New Regulations for Labor Flexibility
The new rules, introduced under Resolution No. 2 of 2026, were issued on September 22, 2026, by Yousif Khalaf, the Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs and LMRA Board Chairman. Formally announced on September 28, 2026, the resolution amends previous provisions established under Resolution No. 76 of 2008. The initiative is designed to provide short-term labor flexibility, helping businesses address temporary staffing gaps within the kingdom.
Essential Conditions for Temporary Work
To utilize this new temporary work arrangement, several strict requirements must be satisfied:
- Written Consent: The worker must provide formal written consent to the arrangement.
- Employer Agreement: Both the original employer and the receiving employer must agree to the temporary assignment.
- LMRA Approval: Formal approval must be obtained from the LMRA.
- Valid Permits: The worker is required to maintain a valid work permit throughout the entire 90-day duration.
It is important to note that domestic workers are specifically excluded from these new provisions.
The Bahrainisation Requirement and Fees
The regulation includes specific safeguards to protect local employment quotas. The receiving employer must ensure that their business activity meets or exceeds the Bahrainisation percentage of the worker's original employer. If the receiving company does not meet this threshold, an additional regulatory fee will be incurred.
Administrative procedures for these applications are managed through the LMRA’s Expat Management System (EMS). The receiving employer is responsible for a processing fee of BHD 5 per application.
Corporate Flexibility and Legal Liability
The resolution also offers increased flexibility for corporate entities. Employers are permitted to deploy authorized foreign workers across their own corporate establishments or within group entities, provided that all Bahrainisation quotas remain compliant.
During the course of the temporary assignment, both the original employer and the receiving employer will share joint liability regarding the employee's rights and legal obligations. This ensures that worker protections remain consistent regardless of the temporary change in workplace.
For further official details and guidance, stakeholders can visit the LMRA website at lmra.gov.bh.