Bahrain introduces new temporary work rules for foreign workers allowing 90-day employment with other companies

Foreign workers in Bahrain are now allowed to work temporarily with another employer for up to 90 days, provided that the application is approved by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The change allows companies to fill temporary positions by engaging foreign workers who are sponsored by another employer, while also complying with the work permit regulations.

The provision is part of Resolution No. 2 of 2026, issued on September 22 to amend the rules governing work permits for foreign workers (excluding domestic workers). The LMRA announced the change on September 28.

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Under the revised rules, a company can temporarily engage a foreign worker who is authorised to work in Bahrain for up to three months. The arrangement requires the worker’s written consent, agreement from both employers and approval from the LMRA.

The worker must hold a valid work permit throughout the temporary assignment. The application must be submitted and managed through the LMRA’s Expat Management System.

An administrative fee of 5 Bahraini dinars (BHD) applies to the receiving employer’s application, according to immigration services firm Fragomen.

Bahrainisation requirements for temporary assignments

The arrangement is also subject to Bahrainisation requirements, which govern the employment of Bahraini nationals in the private sector.

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If the receiving employer’s target Bahrainisation rate is lower than that of the worker’s current employer, the receiving employer must pay an additional fee under the applicable regulations.

Fragomen said that the assessment compares the Bahrainisation rates of the two entities rather than the specific work the employee will perform during the temporary assignment.

Both the original employer and the receiving employer will share responsibility for meeting the worker’s employment-related rights and obligations during the assignment.

The LMRA will record the arrangement in its systems and notify the worker and both employers once the registration process is complete.

Workers can also be deployed within the same business group

The amendment also allows employers to deploy foreign workers at another eligible establishment owned by the same employer or affiliated with the same corporate group, subject to the applicable conditions.

These arrangements must comply with Bahrainisation requirements. Workers can perform only work permitted under the relevant authorisation and in line with the needs and nature of the business.

The LMRA said the changes do not alter the Bahrainisation rates applicable to businesses. Instead, they give employers greater flexibility to deploy their existing workforce across eligible establishments.

No new route for overseas recruitment

The provision applies to foreign workers who are already authorised to work in Bahrain and are present in the country. It does not create a new route for recruiting workers from overseas.

The amendment aims to help businesses meet temporary staffing needs and reduce unauthorised employment practices. Recording these arrangements in the LMRA’s systems will also help the authority monitor compliance with work permit conditions and labour regulations.

The changes seek to balance employers’ staffing requirements with the protection of foreign workers’ rights and Bahrain’s policy of prioritising Bahraini nationals in the labour market.