Parliament has decided to put off a vote on a contentious draft law that seeks to ban converting visit visas into work permits. The proposal has stirred heated debate among MPs, with some arguing it’s a necessary step to secure job opportunities for locals, while others say existing measures already do the job. The draft law aims to amend the 1965 Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Act by adding a new article that outright bans the practice of turning entry visas into work permits. A second clause would void any conflicting laws, and a third provision outlines the law’s implementation. Hassan Bukhamas, chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, asked for a two-week delay to allow for further study, a request Parliament approved. Fairness “This is about fairness in our workforce,” said MP Jalal Kadhem, who backs the law. “We need to curb the flow of cheap foreign labour, which has created unfair competition and reduced job prospects for Bahrainis.” The law, originally proposed in May 2023, is intended to shore up employment for locals and back the government’s long-term labour market strategy, which puts Bahrainis first in hiring and supports them with training programmes. Kadhem warned that […]