Decision No. 23 of 2018 Issuing the Health Insurance Law

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

Decision No. 23 defines the scope of application of health insurance law as all citizens, residents, and visitors. Provisions for migrant workers are included in Article 28 requiring the employer to pay the fees for health insurance subscription on behalf of his non-Bahraini workers in order to cover the benefits listed under the compulsory health package for residents and requiring a sponsor to pay the subscription fees for persons he sponsors who do not have an employer in order to cover the benefits listed under the relevant compulsory health insurance package.

Flexi-Permit Scheme

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

The flexi-visa scheme enables regularization for migrants with irregular status working in “non-specialized occupations” through self-sponsorship, with the possibility to work for different employers in exchange for a fee. The purpose for introducing the Flexi-permit scheme was to combat irregular employment and that migrant workers benefiting from the scheme occupy jobs that are not sought by Bahrainis. In February 2019, the fee was increased as part of the National Employment Programme to promote the employment of Bahraini nationals, with a two-year permit costing BHD 1,469.

Resolution No. 1 of 2017

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

Resolution No. 1 imposes new fees for applications submitted to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority regarding issues, to renew or cancel work permits, to register notifications of absence from work, to increase the number of work permits, and apply for residence and entry permits for family members.

Law No. 21 of 2014 amending some provisions of Law No. 8 of 1963 (Bahraini Citizenship Act)

Date Adopted / Created / Concluded

Law No. 21 amends the 1963 Nationality Act and makes important changes around dual citizenship by allowing Bahraini citizens to acquire another nationality with prior approval from the Ministry of the Interior and Cabinet.