The labour market reforms law will grant expatriates the right to seek better employment by joining new companies without the need of no-objection letter from their sponsor.
They can move to other firms like Bahrainis if such an action does not violate the terms and conditions of their contract.
However, the proposal approved by the parliamentary services committee, which aims at amending the law, requires the foreign manpower to complete at least one year in job before being able to shift to other company.
They are also required to inform their employers three months in advance before the move. Lawmaker Hamad Al Muhanadi has tabled the proposal to amend article 25 of the law to safeguard business interests of employers.
The government has decided to give such privilege to foreign manpower in order to eliminate discrimination against them and make Bahrainis more preferable to employers, as many companies recruit expatriates because they don’t have the right to move to another job.
“I support the government’s move, but to an extent that the rights of businessmen and employers should be considered, so imposing certain restrictions could dissuade foreign workers from misusing such right,” Al Muhanadi said.
The law that was drafted by the government as part of the labour reform strategies was adopted by the legislation authority in 2006.
The delay in implementing the law comes after a plea by businessmen to postpone it as it imposes a monthly tax on foreign workers.
