Labour Market Regulatory Authority
General Inquiries about Parallel Bahrainization System
It is a system designed to benefit companies requiring additional work permits for non-Bahrainis but have not reached the required Bahranization ratio qualifying them to obtain permits for non-Bahrainis. This can be done via paying an additional amount, over the issuance fee per permit out of the specified Bahrainization ratio.
The Parallel Bahranization System has been applied to new permits transactions starting from 02/05/2016 and have been applied to renewal transactions starting from 02/05/2017.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
No. It is not necessary to use the Parallel Bahranization System, where you can hire Bahraini nationals and comply with the required Bahranization ratio.
Last Update: Thursday 16 November 2023
Through Bahrainization Target Rate Lookup Values, employers can find out if they meet the minimum requirement of Bahraini employment, based on the approved establishment activities.
Service Access
| Service Counter | Headquarters, Mina Salman, Seef Mall - Al Muharraq and Riffa - Buhair |
| EMS system | https://www.lmra.gov.bh/EMS_Web/ |
| e-Support | https://esupport.lmra.gov.bh/ |
| Contact Centre | +973 17506055 |
We are Happy to Serve you in Any of the Following Branches:
| Branches | Working Days | Working Times |
|---|---|---|
| LMRA Main Office - Sanabis | Sunday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Mina Salman | Sunday - Thursday | 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Al Muharraq - Seef Mall | Saturday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Riffa - Buhair | Saturday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Phone Service Hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
Yes, there are specific fees as shown below:
| Service | Fees BHD |
|---|---|
| New, renewal or transfer of Work permit (for two years) Optional parallel fee for the permit out of the required Bahrainization ratio |
BHD 200 BHD 500 |
| New, renewal or transfer of Work permit (for one year) Optional parallel fee for the permit out of the required Bahrainization ratio |
BHD 100 BHD 250 |
These fees are not included with the medical fees.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
LMRA's clients can apply online through accessing LMRA's Electronic system, where you can find a complete set of explanatory materials in order to guide the user on how to use the system.
Businessowners and investors may also apply through the client service offices at the LMRA's Headquarters. The Mina Salman branch will be serving clearance offices, as clients may also contact LMRA's Call Centre for any further inquiries.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
There are no special requirements or additional documents, but the same requirements that are applied for issuance of the normal permit.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
There is no change in the monthly fees, monthly and normal fees shall apply without any change.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
The number of permits for each facility shall be linked to its activity and the size of its work.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
The Council of Ministers' decision to issue the parallel system of Bahranization states that this system shall be applied to the renewals generally after a year of its application to the new issuance category.
The LMRA system verifies if the establishment meets the required level of Bahranization ratio, if so it shall allow the client to renew the application with the usual fees and the additional fees will be applied at time of renewal for any establishment exceeding the Bahranization ratio.
Last Update: Tuesday 28 November 2023
There are no specific occupations.
Last Update: Sunday 5 March 2023
They are the same in terms of mechanism compared to the current setup being followed to pay for the issuance of work permits, including payments electronically through the electronic system of LMRA, or direct payment in any of the branches of the Ahli United Bank, Al-Salam Bank or Al-Hilal Islamic Banking Services.
Last Update: Sunday 5 March 2023