Bahrain Daily Tribune, 15 December 2025: Bahrain’s Shura Council has unanimously voted against a proposal to impose fixed limits on foreign work permits, opting to preserve flexibility in labour market regulation.

The Shura Council rejected a bill that would have required the national labour market plan to include a mandatory ceiling on work permits issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The proposal, previously approved by Parliament, sought to replace the current discretionary wording with a binding obligation.

The Services Committee, supported by the government, LMRA, and the Ministry of Labour, argued that the amendment would restrict the authority’s ability to respond to economic fluctuations and labour shortages. Members warned that rigid caps could deter investment, reduce market adaptability, and encourage unlawful recruitment practices.

Officials emphasised that the existing framework already allows ceilings to be introduced through executive decisions when necessary, while maintaining flexibility to adjust policies in line with demand. Following the debate, the Shura Council returned the bill to Parliament for reconsideration, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to a dynamic labour market approach.

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