Bahrain Permits 90-Day Temporary Employer Transfer for Expats
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has introduced a new Bahrain temporary employer transfer regulation, allowing expatriate workers to work for different companies for up to 90 days without needing to change their existing work permits.
This policy shift, enacted under Resolution Number 2 of 2026, was issued on September 22, 2026, and officially announced by the LMRA on September 28, 2026.
Requirements for Temporary Work Arrangements
To utilize this new arrangement, several legal conditions must be satisfied to ensure the process remains regulated and transparent. The following requirements must be met:
- The expatriate worker must provide written consent to the arrangement.
- Both the original employer and the new employer must reach a formal agreement.
- The worker must hold a valid work permit.
- Formal approval must be granted by the LMRA.
Application Process and Associated Costs
All applications for this temporary arrangement must be processed through the LMRA's Expat Management System (EMS). There is an administrative fee of 5 Bahraini Dinars (BHD) required for the application.
However, employers should be aware that if the new employer does not meet the specified Bahrainization rate, additional fees may be applied to the process.
Employer Responsibility and Exclusions
The regulation places a high priority on worker protections. Under these terms, both the original employer and the new employer are held jointly responsible for the rights of the employee throughout the entire 90-day period.
It is important to note that this temporary staffing provision specifically excludes domestic workers. The policy is designed to assist companies in meeting short-term staffing needs while simultaneously providing expatriate workers—including many Indian laborers in the kingdom—with opportunities to gain diverse professional experience.
The policy aims to assist companies in meeting short-term staffing requirements while providing expatriate workers with opportunities for professional experience.