Bahrain Permits 90-Day Second Jobs for Expats
In a significant move to boost labor market flexibility, Bahrain has introduced new regulations allowing eligible expatriate workers to undertake temporary assignments with a second employer. This new policy permits workers to take on additional roles for a period of up to 90 days without the need to transfer their existing work permits.
The modification was established under Resolution No. 2 of 2026, issued on September 22, 2026, by the Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs and LMRA Board Chairman Yousif Khalaf. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) officially announced the change on September 28, 2026, noting that the rule has been in effect since September 25, 2026.
Who Can Apply?
The new provision is designed for foreign workers who currently maintain a valid work permit. However, there is a specific exclusion: domestic workers are not eligible to participate in this temporary second-job arrangement.
The reform is intended to help businesses address temporary staffing shortages and increase overall labor market agility without the need for costly and time-consuming overseas recruitment processes.
Strict Requirements for Approval
To ensure the system is used correctly, the LMRA has outlined a mandatory approval process. To utilize this flexibility, the following conditions must be met:
- The worker must provide explicit written consent to take the second job.
- The original sponsoring employer must agree to the arrangement.
- The temporary receiving employer must also provide formal agreement.
- Official approval must be secured from the LMRA via the Expat Management System (EMS).
Fees and Legal Protections
There are specific financial obligations tied to this arrangement. The receiving employer is required to pay a BHD 5 administrative fee. Additionally, the LMRA may levy further fees if the receiving company’s Bahrainisation rate is lower than that of the worker's primary employer.
To protect the interests of the workforce, the law mandates that during the 90-day period, both the original and the temporary employers are held jointly liable for the protection of the worker's rights.
Flexibility for Corporate Groups
The policy also offers a solution for larger organizations. Companies are now permitted to deploy foreign employees across different establishments within the same corporate group. This is allowed provided that the second establishment meets the specific Bahrainisation criteria required by the authorities.