Dubai's Shura council allows employees to switch jobs

Dubai, May 21: In a decision that has been widely welcomed by the large Indian expatriate community in Bahrain, the Shura Council (legislative consultative body) has approved Parliament amendments allowing employees to switch jobs without their contracts being a himdrance.

As part of the labour market reforms, the new rule would treat foreigners like Bahrainis so that they can change jobs without breaking the terms and conditions of their contracts.

Medical report on the fitness of expatriate workers would be required before issuing work permit.

For the first time, the rule would also allow expatriate workers to switch sponsors at the end of their contracts without the permission of their current employer.

Employers who fail to pay their staff even for one day could be denied work permits.

The new law also calls for the establishment of a Labour Market Reform Authority under the supervision of the Labour Minister, but will have its own administration and budget.

The organisation would be in charge of issuing labour permits and licences and will also collect and analyse data about the market.

UNI