MANAMA: The LMRA in 2014 transformed itself into an integrated online services centre from a conventional services centre which provides centralized services within the concept of the Single Transaction, according to a top official at the LMRA.
The LMRA since its launching on the 1st of July 2008 has acted as a central body under whose umbrella it includes all official services pertaining to labour market regulation. In a relatively short period of time, the LMRA succeeded in receiving and processing transactions via the LMRA’s online portal. The LMRA also in 2014 communicated with employers and expatriate employees through SMS messaging and email. 97% of all LMRA’s transactions get processed over the internet.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)’s CEO Ausamah bin Abdullah Al-Absi said that the LMRA has accomplished highest grade services, accurate performance and moved to the main goal behind its inception which is to create a regulated labour market in which each party respects the rights and obligations of the other(s) and both parties respect the law and the national interest.
Al-Absi said that the LMRA is financially-, administratively-independent corporate entity subject to monitoring by the Minister of Labour and enjoys all franchises similar to government ministries, departments and public institutions in the Kingdom.
LMRA’s CEO added that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on 31 May 2006 issued a law regarding the regulation of the labour market stipulating as follows: The LMRA shall assume all duties and powers necessary to regulate the labour market in the Kingdom and regulates expatriate workers permits, manpower supply agencies licensures, employment offices and foreign employer licensures in the Kingdom.
The LMRA’s CEO also said that the Authority features a clear-cut strategic plan in line with Government’s National Action Plan and the Bahrain’s Economic Vision2030 aimed to provide economic security and welfare to the Bahraini citizen in compliance with the wise policy of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Government under the premiership of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister and the ambitious aspirations of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister also President of the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Also, the LMRA received GCC, Arab and foreign delegations and informed them about the Expatriates Service Portal and mechanisms of application of resolutions in implementation of the labour market regulatory law, especially the law which regulates expatriate workers mobility from one employer to another. The delegations expressed their desire to benefit from the experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the area of labour market regulation and reforms.