Over half million expatriates availed amnesty, with nearly 75 per cent choosing to stay on and work in Bahrain.
The massive six-month exercise involved the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the ministries of Interior and Labour. They were assisted by embassies, expatriate associations and social workers.
Authorities involved in the process told the Tribune that they were happy with the response.
“I am pleased with the number of applicants who legalised stay. But I request them to stay within the boundaries of the law and not to work for employers other than their sponsors,” LMRA acting CEO Ali Radhi said. “I hope people who have not applied for amnesty will avail the opportunity today.”
Radhi also hoped employers utilised clemency and corrected workers’ residence status. “It is my sincere hope that our inspectors will now find that all employers and expatriates are within the framework of the law.”
Radhi thanked both ministries for support to make amnesty a success. “I also thank the embassies and associations for involvement. The exercise has been successful because all the partners worked together.”
Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty called on compatriots to come forward and avail amnesty.
“After the day is over, my hands will be tied and I don’t know how much help the embassy will be able to provide. The Bahrain government has relaxed a lot of rules and regulations to help and it is up to our people to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Indians constitute the largest expatriate workforce in Bahrain.
Shetty said there were no official figures of expatriates still working illegally.
“I suspect there are many more out there. They probably think that this one is like the previous amnesties. They should heed the warnings of the authorities which have repeatedly said that this time things are different. Those who ignore the warning will be responsible for their action.”
Bangladesh embassy first secretary Shamim Al Mamun concurred with Shetty.
“I request the Bahrain government to be compassionate when dealing with the violators. I hope my countrymen came forward and availed amnesty which I believe has been handled in a professional manner.”
Al Mamun said the embassy had issued 3,691 temporary travel permits. “In whatever way we could, we helped those who informed us that they were in trouble.”
Pakistan embassy community welfare counsellor Habib-Ur-Gilani said around 1,000 compatriots applied for amnesty.
“About 75 per cent of them wanted to leave and the others asked for local transfer.”
Gilani expressed appreciation for the authorities’ support for his people.
“I thank LMRA officials and staff who did a good job. I received cooperation and support from the ministries of Interior and Labour whenever I approached them,” Gilani said.
