New Bahrain Temporary Work Permit Rules for 90-Day Assignments
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has introduced new regulations regarding the Bahrain temporary work permit system, allowing eligible foreign workers to take on temporary assignments for up to 90 days.
This regulatory shift is designed to address temporary labour shortages by enabling expatriates to provide their expertise to different companies without the need for a permanent transfer of their existing work permits.
New Regulations for Temporary Employment
The policy was formalized through Resolution No. (2) of 2026, which was issued on 22 September 2026, by the Minister of Labour and Legal Affairs, Yousif Khalaf. As the Chairman of the LMRA Board, Khalaf's directive aims to increase labour market flexibility.
The LMRA officially announced the implementation of these new rules on 28 September 2026, noting that the changes are effective immediately.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The new provisions are not available to all residents. Eligibility is strictly limited to:
- Non-domestic expatriate workers.
- Workers who are currently legal residents in Bahrain.
- Workers holding a valid work permit.
This measure is expected to significantly impact the large South Asian expatriate community in the kingdom, particularly those working in sectors that require project-based or seasonal assistance.
The Application and Approval Process
To maintain regulatory oversight, the LMRA has mandated a specific procedure for these temporary roles. All applications must be submitted via the Expat Management System (EMS) and must include:
- Written consent from the employee.
- Formal approval from the employee's current employer.
- Formal approval from the receiving employer.
- Final authorization from the LMRA.
Fees and Employer Liabilities
There are specific financial requirements for companies looking to utilise this temporary labour option. The receiving employer is responsible for an administrative fee of BHD 5.
Additionally, a Bahrainisation parallel fee of BHD 62.5 may be levied if the receiving employer maintains a lower Bahrainisation rate than the worker's current employer. It is also important to note that both the current and the receiving employers hold joint liability for the rights and obligations of the worker during the assignment period.
Strict Limitations on Job Changes
While this policy offers increased flexibility, the LMRA has been clear about its limitations. The new rules do not permit unrestricted job changes, nor do they provide a pathway for new overseas recruitment. The measure is strictly a tool to manage temporary labour needs while ensuring existing Bahrainisation mandates remain intact.