Bahrain New Temporary Work Permit Rules for Expats
A new Bahrain temporary work permit regulation has been introduced by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), allowing expatriate workers to undertake short-term assignments with different employers. This legislative update, known as Decision No. (2) of 2026, aims to provide greater operational flexibility to the private sector while maintaining strict adherence to national employment standards.
Flexible Deployment Options
The updated regulations, which amend the 2008 rules regarding work permits for foreign nationals (excluding domestic staff), offer two primary ways for employers to utilize their workforce more effectively:
- Intra-group assignments: Employers can now deploy a foreign worker to another establishment that is either owned by the same entity or is part of the same commercial group. This is permitted provided the secondary location maintains a Bahrainisation ratio that is equal to or higher than the original firm.
- External assignments: In a significant move, the amendment allows foreign employees to work for an entirely different employer for a maximum period of three months.
Strict Requirements for External Assignments
To prevent any misuse of the system, the LMRA has outlined rigorous conditions that must be met before an expatriate can begin working for a different company. For a three-month assignment to be valid, the following must occur:
- The worker must provide written consent for the arrangement.
- The original employer must provide written consent.
- The receiving employer must provide written consent.
- Formal approval must be obtained from the LMRA.
- The receiving company must meet specific Bahrainisation quotas.
It is vital for workers to secure a copy of their written consent and the official LMRA approval before they start any such temporary duties.
Sponsorship and Financial Protections
Despite the change in workplace, the worker’s legal status remains stable. The employee stays under their original sponsorship throughout the duration of the assignment, and the arrangement must be officially registered with the LMRA.
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