Bahrain, situated in the Persian Gulf, is an island nation. The Bahraini Dinar holds the position of the second strongest currency globally, just after the Kuwaiti Dinar. Acquiring a Bahrain Work Visa is a relatively straightforward process. As per the Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority, the number of foreign workers employed in the second quarter of 2023 amounted to 609,028. In comparison, non-Bahraini employment in the same quarter of the previous year rose to 563,332 workers. The median monthly wage in Bahrain ranges from BHD 575 to BHD 559. The exchange rate stands at 1 BHD = 2.65 (as of 16 Feb 2024).
All individuals entering the Kingdom of Bahrain must possess a visa, with the exception of citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). Other nationalities must obtain a Visa on Arrival, an eVisa, or apply for a visa at the Bahrain Embassy. Bahrain is an ideal destination for those who may not have extensive qualifications. Further information regarding the Bahrain work visa, including the various types available and the necessary criteria, is outlined below.
Bahrain Work Visa and Work Permit Information
In Bahrain, the terms “labor work visa” and “employment/work visa” are used interchangeably. Both of these refer to the necessary permit that foreign workers must obtain in order to legally work and reside in the country.
Types of Work Visa in Bahrain
There is only one type of work permit available for foreign workers in Bahrain, known as the Employment Permit. This is the most commonly used work visa and is valid for a period of up to two years. It can also be renewed for an additional two years. It is important to note that your employer will be responsible for applying for this work permit on your behalf.
If you are not a Bahraini citizen and wish to work in Bahrain, your sponsor can submit a work visa application for you through the Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
To obtain a Bahrain work visa, you will need to fulfil certain requirements.
These include receiving a job offer from Bahrain, having a valid work permit approved by the LMRA, arranging the necessary documents, and applying for the visa through one of the available channels such as Evisa, Visa on Arrival, or at the Bahrain Embassy.
Please ensure that you follow the proper procedures and meet all the requirements to obtain a valid work visa for Bahrain.
The process of applying for a work visa in Bahrain is as follows:
1. Secure a job: Begin by finding employment in Bahrain.
2. Obtain a Work Permit: Your employer will sponsor your work visa application. (Job listings can be found below).
3. Submit your visa application: Once you have a job offer, your employer will initiate the visa application process. This will require submitting various documents to the Bahraini Ministry of Labor (LMRA).
4. Await approval: After all necessary documents have been submitted and fees paid, it will take approximately four weeks for your visa application to be processed.
Visa on Arrival
Visitors from 69 countries can obtain visas upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The following countries are eligible for on-arrival visas.
eVisas are available for visitors from 209 countries. To check which nationalities require eVisas before arriving in the Kingdom, click here.
To prevent fraud and verify the validity of your work visa and permit, you can check online on the Bahrain Labour Ministry website here using your Passport number or work permit number.
The majority of foreign workers in Bahrain come from Asian countries, with India being the primary source, followed by Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, and Pakistan, contributing to around 85% of the total foreign workforce.
Other significant sending countries include Egypt, Jordan, Syria, UK, and USA.
Various sectors employ foreign workers, including services, domestic work, retail and wholesale trade, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, as well as education, IT, finance, and other specialized roles.
Additionally, Bahrain faces skill shortages in several areas. Engineering, Information Technology, Healthcare, and Education are some of the prominent sectors in Bahrain.
If you are seeking job opportunities in these fields, there are several reliable sources to explore. GulfTalent and the Bahraini Ministry of Labor are two reputable platforms where you can find job listings.
Moreover, one of the advantages of working in Bahrain is the tax-free income policy, which allows individuals to retain a larger portion of their earnings.