Bahrain Announces Conversion of Visit Visas to Work Visas

In a significant move aimed at regulating the labour market and prioritizing job opportunities for its citizens, Bahrain has introduced stringent measures regarding the conversion of visit visas to work or dependent visas.

Under the new regulations, only visit visas with a sponsor can be converted, and this comes with a revised fee of BD250, a substantial increase from the previous BD60. However, this is contingent upon the visa being for the same sponsor.

Directive from the Interior Ministry

Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Under-Secretary of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA), announced this update following the directives from Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

The government published edict number 16/2024 in the latest edition of the Official Gazette, marking a pivotal step in its efforts to tighten visa transfer rules.

A Move to Support Bahrainis

The measures, developed in cooperation with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), aim to address the government’s directives to reduce unemployment rates and ensure Bahrainis are the preferred choice for employment.

This strategy supports the National Labor Market Strategy and seeks to combat the exploitation of visit visas. Shaikh Hisham emphasized that these changes are part of broader efforts to provide more job opportunities for citizens and reduce unemployment.

Also Read: Bahrain Introduces New Online Visa Renewal System for Expatriates Abroad

Mixed Reactions from the Public

The new visa transfer rules spark debate. Supporters see them as a win for Bahraini workers, while critics fear the higher fee just legalizes visa misuse. Some even call for a complete ban. The effectiveness and impact of tourism remain unclear.

Impact on Visa Conversion Statistics

The revision in policy comes against the backdrop of a significant number of expats converting their visas into work permits in recent years. According to reports, 85,246 expats changed their visa status from 2019 to June 2023, with a noticeable surge in 2022.

The new regulations introduced by Shaikh Hisham, including mandatory return tickets and sufficient funds for entry, have already resulted in a 37% drop in such arrivals last year.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s latest visa policy revisions represent a critical step towards regulating the labour market and safeguarding job opportunities for Bahraini citizens. By tightening the rules around visa conversions, the government aims to tackle the misuse of the system and ensure a fairer labour market for its residents.

While the measures have elicited mixed reactions, they underscore Bahrain’s commitment to supporting its citizens in the employment sector.