Bahrain Allows Foreign Workers to Work for Another Employer for Up to 90 Days

Foreign workers in Bahrain can now temporarily work for another employer for up to 90 days, a new option that gives businesses more room to hire overseas talent for short-term needs.

The worker must hold a valid work permit throughout the arrangement. The application is handled through Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Expat Management System.

How the Temporary Work Arrangement Works

The second employer must apply through the LMRA system and pay a BHD 5 administrative fee.

An additional fee may also apply if the second employer’s required Bahrainisation rate is lower than the rate of the worker’s existing employer. The calculation is based on the Bahrainisation rates of both entities, rather than the specific job or activity the foreign worker will perform.

Previously, foreign workers could not be temporarily assigned to another employer under this type of arrangement.

What It Means for Foreign Workers

The change could make short-term assignments easier for companies that need specialist workers without taking over their full sponsorship.

For foreign professionals working in Bahrain, the practical benefit will depend on their employer and the terms of the temporary arrangement. The worker’s existing work permit still needs to cover the full period.

Bahrain has been moving toward more flexible labour-market rules, and this latest measure follows that broader push by making short-term access to foreign talent easier for employers.

Travelobiz Take:

We see this as a practical change for Indian professionals in Bahrain, especially those handling short-term assignments, project work, or temporary transfers between eligible employers.