Bahrain: 547 Deported as LMRA Ramps Up Inspections
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain has intensified its crackdown on illegal labor, resulting in the deportation of 547 individuals during September 2026. This massive enforcement drive saw a significant surge in activity compared to previous months, as authorities targeted residency and labor law violations across the kingdom.
A Massive Surge in Enforcement
During the month of September, the LMRA conducted a total of 4,847 inspection campaigns and investigative visits. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 50% compared to August 2026, when the authority carried out 3,152 inspections.
While the number of inspections rose sharply, the number of arrests recorded in September stood at 67, compared to 77 arrests in August. However, the number of deportations remained high, with 547 individuals processed for removal from the country in September, up slightly from 543 in the previous month.
Breakdown of Operations and Collaborations
The month's enforcement efforts were split between routine site visits and high-intensity joint operations. The breakdown of the 4,847 inspections is as follows:
- Routine site visits: 4,675
- Joint campaigns: 172