Bahrain introduces new system to renew visas outside the country

Manama: Bahrain has introduced a new system for expatriates to renew their visas even when they are outside the country.

Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), made the announcement in this regard. The new service will give an employer the opportunity to renew the visas of employees outside the country online. However, the Interior Ministry said this would be possible only before the expiry of the visa period.

The special system to renew visas outside the country has been put in place under the leadership of Bahrain Passport and Residency Affairs. The service will be provided in coordination with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), by including expatriates working in the commercial and government sectors besides the registered workers and domestic employees. This service can be availed through the Bahrain national portal. The work permit can be renewed through the expatriate management system or through the official LMRA channels.

Announcing the new service, Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of NPRA, said that this is part of an innovation drive being carried out in collaboration with the government and private institutions. Appreciating the strong partnership and cooperation between LMRA and NPRA, he said it is a great step forward that will help to strengthen the working environment.

The move is taken under the framework of increasing the pace of work and meeting the needs of business owners and investors with regard to expatriate workers, he said. The new system is being implemented to cater to the needs of expatriate workers, business owners, and investors while making the country's employment sector more efficient.