Implementation of the Optional Insurance System for Domestic Workers

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), in cooperation with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA), has announced the commencement of the Optional Insurance System for Domestic Workers on 4 August 2021. The System aims to protect employers and domestic expatriate workers following any incident that covers for insurance.

Amending Instructions for non-Jordanian Domestic Workers Instructions and similar workers in the Aqaba Economic Zone for the year 2020

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

The Board of Commissioners approved the amendments regarding Resolution (194) on non-Jordanian domestic workers in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The amendments include additions to some articles such as adding “with the presentation of a disease-free certificate from the country of arrival” to Article 3, as well as reformulating some articles.

Ministerial decision regarding the employment contract for domestic workers

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

The Minister of Labor issued a decision related to the new work contract for domestic workers in order to regulate the work relationship between them and their employers. The contract allows workers to resign and keep hold of their own passport, limits working hours to 8, details right to paid holidays, and other improvements on working and living conditions

Change in work permit management for domestic workers

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded
LMRA announced that the management of work permits for migrants in the domestic workers category will be conducted through the Expatriate Management System (EMS) as of 17 March 2019, to support the provision of a transparent, efficient, one-stop-shop service. The EMS is an electronic system that allows employers or persons authorized on their behalf to undertake the transactions of issuing and renewing work permits and other LMRA related transactions.

Generalization 2/26 Addressed to Recruitment Agencies for Domestic Workers

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded
This Generalization informs that owners of domestic workers' recruitment offices are prohibited from violating the provisions of Articles 38-39 of the Law Regulating Insurance Authorities relating to the marketing of insurance policies except through duly licensed insurance brokers, and this is at risk of revoking the office’s license

Memoranda of Understanding signed by UAE at the International Labour Conference

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded
The UAE signed three MoUs, creating a bilateral agreement with Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam respectively regarding cooperation on manpower recruitment, with a focus on the hiring of domestic workers in UAE. Themes included ensuring workers were recruited through licensed employment agencies operating in the UAE and the three countries, ensuring transparency, and guaranteeing the rights of all relevant parties.