Bahrain Introduces a New 90-Day Work Option for Foreign Workers. Check your eligibility!

Bahrain has introduced a regulatory change allowing eligible foreign workers to work temporarily for another employer for up to 90 days without transferring their existing work permits. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) issued the decision on September 22, 2026, and announced it on September 28. The reform aims to help businesses address temporary staffing needs while maintaining oversight of employment arrangements and protecting workers’ rights under the applicable regulations.

Yes, eligible foreign workers can temporarily work for another employer for up to 90 days under Bahrain’s revised rules. However, this is not an unrestricted right to change jobs or work for multiple employers. The arrangement requires approval from the LMRA, written consent from the employee and agreement from both the existing and temporary employers. Workers must also maintain a valid work permit throughout the approved assignment.

Eligible Indian expatriates working legally in Bahrain can undertake an approved temporary assignment with another employer without transferring their existing work permits. The arrangement can last up to 90 days, subject to the applicable conditions. Workers must obtain the necessary LMRA approval, secure agreement from both employers and provide written consent. They should confirm that the assignment has been officially recorded before starting work for the temporary employer.

Workers must have a valid work permit throughout the temporary assignment. The existing employer and the temporary employer must agree to the arrangement, and the employee must provide written consent. The LMRA must also approve the application, which is submitted through the Expat Management System. Additional conditions may apply depending on the employment arrangement. Workers should verify the applicable requirements before accepting a temporary assignment with another business.

Employers must submit an application through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s Expat Management System (EMS). The application must satisfy the relevant regulatory requirements, including agreement between both employers and written consent from the employee. The temporary assignment must also be recorded in the LMRA’s official systems. Employers should ensure the arrangement receives the necessary approval before the worker begins the assignment, rather than treating the 90-day provision as automatic permission.

The new arrangement permits temporary work for another employer for a maximum of 90 days. It does not provide automatic permission to continue working for that employer beyond the approved period or to move between employers freely. Any subsequent employment arrangement must comply with Bahrain’s applicable work permit and labour regulations. Workers should clarify their options with the LMRA and relevant employers before the temporary assignment expires to avoid unauthorised employment.

The reform also allows employers to deploy foreign workers at another establishment owned by the same employer or affiliated with the same corporate group, subject to separate conditions. The other establishment must be appropriately registered and meet applicable Bahrainisation requirements. These provisions are distinct from temporary assignments involving separate employers. Businesses should check the specific rules governing their corporate structure and confirm compliance with the LMRA before transferring workers between establishments.

The reform gives businesses greater flexibility to manage short-term staffing shortages by using eligible foreign workers already employed in Bahrain. For example, a company facing a temporary increase in workload may be able to engage a worker from another business with the required approvals. This can reduce the need to begin overseas recruitment for short-term requirements. The LMRA’s approval and recordkeeping requirements are intended to ensure these arrangements remain regulated.

Indian expatriates who meet the eligibility requirements may gain access to temporary assignments with another employer without immediately transferring their existing work permits. This could provide greater flexibility when businesses need additional staff for short-term projects or changing workloads. However, workers cannot independently assume that a second job is permitted. They must obtain the required approvals, secure both employers’ agreement and provide written consent before undertaking the temporary assignment.

No, the revised rule does not allow foreign workers to change employers freely or work for another business indefinitely. It establishes a limited temporary assignment of up to 90 days, subject to LMRA approval and other conditions. The worker must retain a valid work permit, and both employers must agree to the arrangement. Indian expatriates should check the approved duration and applicable requirements before accepting work outside their existing employment arrangement.