Bahrain Allows Foreign Workers to Temporarily Work for Another Employer
Updated: 6 hours ago
MANAMA, October 6, 2026 — Bahrain has introduced new flexibility into its labour market, allowing foreign workers to work temporarily for a second employer for up to 90 days. The reform, issued under Bahrain Decision No. 2 of 2026 and available via the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) at lmra.gov.bh, represents a significant shift from previous rules that tied workers exclusively to the employer named on their permit .
Under the old 2008 framework, a foreign worker could not work for another employer and was largely confined to the workplace named on the permit or branches carrying out the same activity .
What the Reform Allows
The amendment permits two distinct arrangements:
Arrangement | Details |
Same-owner/group transfers | Employers may deploy foreign workers across their own establishments or companies within the same group, even under different Commercial Registration numbers |
Second employer deployment | A worker can spend up to three months with another employer, subject to LMRA approval |
The framework does not apply to domestic workers and is only applicable to expatriates who are already authorized and residing in Bahrain.
The Conditions
Several conditions govern the new arrangement:
Worker consent — The employee must give written consent
Both employers must agree — The current and receiving employers must both approve the move
Valid work permit — The worker must hold a valid permit throughout the arrangement
Bahrainisation compliance — The receiving business must have the same Bahrainisation rate as the current employer, or higher
The Bahrainisation Fee
If the target Bahrainisation rate of the receiving entity is lower than that of the current employer's entity, the second employer must pay an additional fee. The assessment is based on the Bahrainisation rates of the two entities, rather than the specific activity the employee will perform.
A BHD 5 administrative fee also applies to the other employer's application.
Joint Liability for Worker Rights
During the three-month placement, both employers are jointly liable for the worker's rights . This provision addresses concerns that temporary deployment could leave workers vulnerable to gaps in protection.
Administrative Process
The arrangement must be submitted and managed through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Expat Management System . LMRA will record each three-month placement and inform the worker and both employers once it is registered .
Official and Institutional Response
The reform has drawn support from key stakeholders. The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Chairman Nabeel Kanoo, welcomed the decision, stating it provides "greater flexibility for businesses" and could "reduce the need for new recruitment procedures when existing labour can meet business needs" .
The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) described the amendment as "an important step in developing the labour market system," providing "a clearer and more flexible legal framework" that balances market requirements with worker protections .
What This Means for Employers
For companies operating in Bahrain, the reform offers practical workforce management options:
Short-term staffing needs can be met through workers already in the Kingdom
Group companies can share talent across entities without new visa applications
Fluctuating workloads can be addressed without recruiting from abroad
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Effective Framework | Bahrain Decision No. 2 of 2026 |
Maximum Duration | 90 days (3 months) |
Eligible Workers | Foreign workers already authorised and in Bahrain (excluding domestic workers) |
Key Conditions | Worker consent, both employers agree, valid permit, Bahrainisation compliance |
Fee | BHD 5 administrative fee; additional fee if Bahrainisation rate is lower |
Liability | Both employers jointly liable for worker rights |
Administration | LMRA Expat Management System |
Read More
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.
Comments