Bahrain Ends Employment Sponsor System

Harry Hsing is an associate in our Abu Dhabi office.

The government of Bahrain recently announced changes to the country's rules relating to work visas for expatriate workers. Specifically, foreign workers in Bahrain are now able to change jobs without the consent of their employers. The previous system, which still exists in many other countries in the Middle East, requires that a foreign worker hold a work visa from his employer. The current prevailing rule in the Middle East requires that if a foreign worker wishes to change jobs, he must get his employer's permission through a no-objection certificate or risk deportation.

This change in legislation comes after three years of deliberation and with input from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The change was implemented in August 2009.