Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced new regulations on September 28, 2026, allowing foreign workers already residing in the country to undertake temporary employment with a different employer for up to 90 days. This significant change, outlined in Resolution No. 2 of 2026, aims to enhance flexibility for both foreign employees and businesses operating within the Gulf nation.
Understanding Bahrain's New Work Rules
Under the revised framework, a foreign worker can be temporarily assigned to another employer for a maximum period of three months. This arrangement requires official approval from the LMRA, alongside the written consent of the worker, their original employer, and the prospective temporary employer. The regulations also permit employers to transfer foreign workers to other establishments they own or those affiliated with the same business group, provided specific conditions are met.
A key consideration for the new employer is compliance with Bahrainisation requirements, which mandate a certain percentage of Bahraini nationals in private sector roles. If the receiving company has a lower prescribed Bahrainisation rate than the worker's primary employer, it may incur an additional regulatory fee. Both employers will share responsibility for upholding the worker's employment rights throughout the temporary assignment, and the arrangement must be officially registered with the LMRA to ensure oversight and prevent unauthorized employment.
It is important to note that these new rules do not alter existing Bahrainisation requirements nor do they establish a new pathway for recruiting workers directly from overseas. The policy specifically applies to foreign workers who are currently authorized to work in Bahrain.
Impact on Indian Nationals in Bahrain
Indian expatriates constitute a substantial portion of Bahrain's foreign workforce, making these changes particularly relevant. The new regulations are expected to provide several benefits:
- Increased Employment Opportunities: Indian professionals and other eligible foreign workers can now pursue short-term projects or alternative work opportunities with different companies without immediately changing their primary employment status.
- Enhanced Business Flexibility: For companies with multiple branches or affiliated entities, the new rules facilitate temporary transfers of Indian employees to address staff shortages or manage increased workloads more efficiently.
- Strengthened Worker Safeguards: The requirement for written consent from the worker and shared responsibility between employers for employment rights introduces formal protections during temporary assignments. Official registration with the LMRA also aids authorities in monitoring compliance and safeguarding worker welfare.
The introduction of the 90-day temporary work rule signifies Bahrain's commitment to fostering a more dynamic and adaptable labor market, offering greater opportunities and protections for its diverse expatriate community.