LMRA receives US Congress staff delegation

Manama, Oct. 26 (BNA): Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) received a delegation from the US Congress as part of their official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The delegation visited the LMRA’s Expat Protection Centre, in the presence of LMRA officials and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation was briefed on the latest developments in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s labour market, the role of the Authority in providing a safe and stable environment for expats, and Bahrain’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons as well as protecting workers from exploitation, in line with international treaties and agreements related to human and labour rights. The delegation was informed about the objectives and role of the Expat Protection Centre, which is the first comprehensive and specialized facility of its kind in the Middle East region. The centre provides counseling, legal services, shelter for victims and potential victims of crimes of trafficking in persons or any form of exploitation, and the preservation of labour rights in accordance with the best international standards and practices. LMRA officials outlined the legal mechanisms and executive steps aimed to enhance Bahrain’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons and preserve the rights of labour parties. LMRA presented its strategies on the implementation of the wage protection system, the optional insurance system for domestic workers, in addition to the registration program in collaboration with the private sector, in addition to Intensifying inspection campaigns to address any illegal practices in the labour market. LMRA exhibited its efforts in raising awareness and providing guidance to workers by informing them of all they rights and obligations. In addition, LMRA provides each worker with a phone chip upon their entry to the Kingdom of Bahrain to provide a channel for communication and allow each worker to receive informational messages from LMRA in their native languages. These messages contain reminders of all the available communication channels available including the Authority’s dedicated call centre.