Egyptian pound plummets, stock market rebounds after 2% rate hike by the central bank
The Egyptian central bank raised key interest rates by 2 percent on Thursday citing rising inflationary pressure, sending the Egyptian pound on a tail spin to hit its all-time low, but cheering up the country's stock market with a rebound in share prices.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), in an unscheduled meeting on Thursday, announced hiking the overnight lending rate by 200 basis points (two percentage points) to 14.25 percent.
It also announced a similar hike in overnight deposit rate to 13.25 percent and the main operation rate to 13.75 percent.
The central bank's discount rate also stood revised to 13.57 percent after the hike.
The bank also announced the start of a 'durably flexible exchange rate regime', which will measure the Egyptian pound against other foreign currencies.
Besides, the central bank announced it would start 'gradually' stopping the use of letters of credit for import finance - with a December 2022 deadline to completely halt the practice.
CBE, in a statement, attributed its decision to elevated global and domestic prices that are expected to keep headline inflation above the MPC's preannounced target of seven percent (±2 percent) on average through the fourth quarter of 2022.
"The decision aims to uphold the CBE's mandate of ensuring price stability in the local market over the medium term. It also aims to anchor inflation projections and contain demand side pressures and higher broad money growth as well as the second round effects of supply shocks," the statement said.
The rate hike move led to a sharp fall in the Egyptian pound, reportedly down by about 13 percent against the US dollar during Thursday's trading hours, hitting around 23 pounds to the dollar.
According to market data, this was an all-time low for the Egyptian pound, after its fall to 19 to a dollar in 2016.
The move on the new currency exchange regime followed the Egyptian government announcing earlier this week that it would move to a flexible exchange rate regime.
Acting central bank head Hassan Abdalla said Sunday that they would start measuring the Egyptian pound against foreign currencies and gold, as opposed to the US dollar.
This is in response to the Egyptian pound performing poorly against the dollar in recent weeks, but faring better against other currencies, such as the euro.
Regarding the letters of credit, Egypt started requiring them for imports in February.
The move allowed the central bank to control the demand for foreign currency, but was seen leading to delays and increased administrative costs.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Tuesday that Egypt would abandon the letters of credit system after an apparent outflow of $25 billion from Egypt within a month.
The CBE said the global economy faced multiple shocks and challenges, the likes of which have not been seen in years.
To face multiple economic challenges, the government has intensified a reform agenda to secure macroeconomic stability and achieve strong, sustainable and inclusive growth.
"To this end, the CBE employed a durably flexible exchange rate regime, leaving the forces of supply and demand to determine the value of the EGP against other foreign currencies," the bank said.
The announcements on rate hike and new exchange rate mechanism saw the Egyptian stock exchange rebounding at the close of trading on Thursday on the back of investor optimism.
The market capitalisation of listed companies' shares on the bourse increased by 25.5 billion pounds - the highest daily rise since the beginning of the year - and reached 745.8 billion pounds.
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/markets/currencies/egyptian-pound-plummets-stock-market-rebounds-after-2-rate-hike-by-the-central-bank
A new hospital on wheels in Ras Al Khaimah now
Ras Al Khaimah: Low-income families in remote areas of Ras Al Khaimah are noe being offered affordable medical services at their doorstep, thanks to a new initiative of a private healthcare group.
Enhancing community outreach and ensuring that quality healthcare is delivered to the doorstep of the population, RAK Hospital, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Northern Emirates, has announced the launch of 'RAK Hospital on Wheels'.
The sophisticated 'Mobile Clinic' with a focus on catering to the dynamic healthcare requirements of the people is equipped with world-class equipment and facilities and offers services from a team of medical professionals at a very affordable cost.
Talking about the need for such a concept, Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director, RAK Hospital said, "Having served the people of Ras Al Khaimah for 15 years we realised that some locations still lacked access to quality care. These mainly included high-density areas with low-income group populations and we felt it was our responsibility and commitment to provide the same RAK Hospital superior care at their doorstep because these remote areas are not easily reachable by public transport which makes it all the more difficult for them to avail good healthcare. The people from these locations were usually spending half a day visiting a facility even for small day-to-day issues. Keeping all this in mind, we have designed a customised 'RAK Hospital on Wheel' Clinic which will cater to their basic requirements and guide and support them in channelising their higher care needs", added Dr. Siddiqui.
What's on offer
The 'Hospital on Wheels' has a reception and waiting area, a consultation room in addition to treatment and procedure room. Delivering primary healthcare and making it approachable, it provides first aid, GP consultation, immunisation, preventive and chronic diseases checks, and COVID-19 sample collection services amongst other things.
The facility is well-armed to perform minor procedures such as wound dressing, IV infusions and medications alongside collecting samples and prescribing medicines. All major insurances are also accepted while the highest levels of infection control practices and COVID -19 protocols are followed to ensure patient safety, the hospital stated.
https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-a-new-hospital-on-wheels-in-ras-al-khaimah-now-1.91538438
Expats owning real estate in Sharjah: Sheikh Sultan issues amendments to ownership law
Sharjah: His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, issued Law No. (2) of 2022 on the amendment of Law No. (5) of 2010 on real estate registration in the Emirate of Sharjah.
According to the law, the text of Article (4) of Law No. (5) of 2010 shall be replaced by the following text:
The right to own real estate in the emirate is limited to persons who are citizens of the UAE and citizens of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and as an exception to this, the right of ownership may be granted to others according to the following:
1. Ownership with the agreement of the Ruler.
2. Transferring by inheritance by virtue of a legal notification.
3. Assignment by the owner to one of his first-degree relatives in accordance with what is specified in the executive regulations of this law.
4. Ownership in real estate development areas and projects in accordance with the regulations set by the Council.
The law also stipulated that the text of Article (7) of Law No. (5) of 2010 would be replaced by the following text:
Subject to the provisions of Article No. (4) of this Law, a legal person who owns real estate in the emirate shall abide by the following:
1. Inform the Real Estate Registration Department of any change in the ownership of the legal person if it will lead to a decrease or increase in the partners' shares, transfer of ownership, or a change in its legal form or trade name.
2. Correcting the contravening situation in case of adding a partner or transferring his ownership to persons who are not entitled to own real estate in the Emirate.
https://gulfnews.com/business/property/expats-owning-real-estate-in-sharjah-sheikh-sultan-issues-amendments-to-ownership-law-1.1667216757730
UAE introduces changes to VAT provisions
The UAE Ministry of Finance announced amendments to some provisions of the Federal Decree Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT), which will be effective from January 1, 2023.
Under the changes, registered individuals who make taxable supplies will be allowed to apply for an exception from VAT registration - if all their supplies are zero-rated. They may also be eligible if they no longer make supplies other than zero-rated ones.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) may forcibly de-register registered individuals in specific cases if deemed necessary.
The amendment also included provisions that set a 14-day period for the issuance of a tax credit note to settle output tax.
These were some of the major amendments introduced by the Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2022 on the Amendment of Some Provisions of the Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT.
The new provisions were made in line with international best practices, in light of the GCC Unified VAT Agreement. They are based on past experiences, challenges faced by various business sectors as well as the recommendations received from relevant parties.
The decree-law also included amendments to certain provisions to clarify and confirm the intended meaning of the text; to rephrase; or to improve the legislative sequence of legal provisions.
https://www.gulf-insider.com/uae-introduces-changes-to-vat-provisions/
UAE announces new payment method for tax liabilities
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) announced that it will be discontinuing the use of the eDirham system in paying taxes as of today, October 30, 2022, replacing it with Magnati, the smart payment option from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Magnati provides advanced software solutions for online payments, using next-generation advanced technologies to provide a seamless and efficient payment service for FTA customers.
The FTA explained that the Magnati smart payments feature allows registrants to pay their tax obligations via FAB's Magnati platform, in addition to enabling taxpayers to settle any payment due to the FTA using credit cards.
The Authority indicated that this step is in line with the Ministry of Finance's decision to discontinue the use of the eDirham system for government payments, and transfer the payment of fees to government entities for their services using the various other authorised payment options in the UAE. The decision came in response to suggestions from customers and takes their requirements into consideration in an effort to provide them with an easy to use, flexible, and efficient payment experience.
The Authority explained that the electronic tax payment platform available through the e-Services portal on the FTA website provides various other payment options for its customers, while maintaining the highest levels of security, ease of use, and speed.
Number (GIBAN), which is issued by the FTA to each tax registrant and allows taxpayers to send direct transfers from their bank accounts to the Authority. The system is used to transfer funds from various financial institutions in the UAE and abroad, and can be used to pay Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, and any other tax obligations.
https://www.gulf-insider.com/uae-announces-new-payment-method-for-tax-liabilities/
28th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival begins from December 15
DSF is back this year with 46 days of entertainment, fashion exclusives, shopping deals, raffles, hotel and dining offers
The 28th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will begin from December 15 and run until 29 January 2023. DSF is back this year with 46 days of spectacular entertainment, big name concerts, unmissable fashion exclusives, unbeatable shopping deals, raffles, incredible hotel and dining and so much more.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the upcoming edition of DSF will light up the city with excitement, enthusiasm and adventure, offering the very best to all residents and visitors. DSF visitors can expect a packed programme of events, including theatrical performances, community markets and exclusive exhibitions, folklore and heritage shows, fun fairs, and many other activities for families and children.
This year will also mark the return of the popular Market OTB at Burj Park, DSF Market at Al Seef, the longest running DSF Drones Light Show and the captivating Dubai Lights Exhibition to deliver a celebratory festival experience.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE said "The 28th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival is another opportunity for visitors from around the world to visit Dubai and enjoy the longest running shopping festival of its kind. DSF has grown from a key sales event to an annual celebration of the very best the city has to offer.
This DSF, we invite everyone to celebrate and relish in the diverse experiences encompassing entertainment, gastronomy, shopping and leisure. In collaboration with our partners and retailers, we are looking forward to yet another season of world-class experiences and creating unforgettable memories."
Over the years, DSF which was initially launched to boost local businesses, has now grown into the world's longest-running, internationally acclaimed retail festival. It has played a significant role in growing Dubai's reputation as one of the best cities to live in, work and visit by showcasing its shopping, dining and cultural experiences to the world.
The packed calendar of DSF events not only welcomes visitors from across the world but supports domestic tourism and further strengthens the city's position as a global retail destination. The retail sector is strategically important to the Dubai economy and its tourism vision to attract 25 million visitors by 2025 and DSF continues to play an important role in driving that growth. From a night out with friends, a relaxing romantic getaway or a family fun adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy this DSF.
https://gulfbusiness.com/28th-edition-of-dubai-shopping-festival-begins-from-december-15/
Emiratis can travel to Japan without a visa from November 1
UAE citizens can travel to Japan without the need to obtain a prior visa, starting November 1, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has said.
UAE passports holders who travel to Japan for tourism or work purposes can stay in the East Asian country for up to 30 days per visit, without the need to submit an application at the Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi, apply for an exemption, or pay any fees.
However, the ministry noted that entry requirements to Japan still apply, including ensuring passport validity of at least six months, providing a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure, or presenting proof of three doses of any vaccination approved in Japan, which include Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Sinopharm.
Khalid Abdullah Belhoul, under-secretary at MoFAIC said that the decision to exempt UAE nationals from prior entry visas reflects the depth of cooperation between the UAE and Japan.
The agreement will enhance tourism and cultural exchange and support new opportunities in business, trade, and investment, he added.
The agreement coincides with the launch of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and Japan, signed by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The UAE is Japan's tenth largest trading partner in the world and is home to more than 340 Japanese companies operating in various sectors.
Dubai's Emirates will also be deploying its A380 on the Narita-Dubai route from November 15. The carrier said that following the Japanese government's announcement last month to ease the entry restrictions, it has seen a spike in bookings for flights to its gateways - Narita and Osaka.
https://gulfbusiness.com/28th-edition-of-dubai-shopping-festival-begins-from-december-15/
Lulu opens new hypermarket in Saudi's Saihat
Saudi Arabia - Lulu Group has opened its latest Hypermarket in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The latest store from Lulu was officially inaugurated by Ibrahim Al- Khorayef, Governor of Qatif in the presence of Yusuff Ali M A., Chairman and MD of Lulu Group in Saihat.
The 133,000 squarefeet store, which is also 28th in the country is located in Saihat in the Al Muntazah district of Eastern Province in KSA and features all the top buys that customers have come to expect from LuLu - an extensive supermarket, fresh food, department store, the BLSH (Cosmetics) and LuLu Connect (Digital & Electronics).
Customers will have excellent ease of shopping with 30 checkout counters and 400 dedicated parking spaces. The store has been designed with a modern layout that makes it easy for shoppers to navigate.
"The opening of this new store in Al Muntazah District of Eastern Province helps LuLu to align its future growth with the opportunities that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made available to investors," said Yusuffali M.A.
"The leadership of Saudi Arabia has taken bold steps to empower its youth and invest in new areas such as agri-business and local food - not only is this vital for food security but it also gives nationals a sense of identity and pride in their country. The LuLu Group will do everything possible to support this and use its retail footprint to excellent effect for this purpose," he added.
Special features in-store include an emphasis on healthy and diet food choices, an extensive range of 'Free From' foods, pet foods, a seafood section that also extends to freshly made sushi and grilled fish, premium meats and an expansive imported product range. There will also be a wide choice of freshly made items, from fresh-squeezed juices to fresh-baked breads and cakes.
The store will continue LuLu's tradition of carrying Saudi-grown and made goods, such as Saudi Catch fish, locally grown lamb in the meat section, a focus on fruits and vegetables proudly grown in Saudi Arabia, specialty Saudi coffee and foods made in Saudi Arabia.
There will also be a large selection of health and hygiene products for families to choose from.As announced recently, the Saihat store will also offer shoppers the environmentally-sound and technologically advanced service of an e-receipt for every purchase which will go as an SMS message to their phone upon payment at the checkout counter.
Also present on the occasion were Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director of Lulu Group, Shehim Mohamed,Director- LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, Moiz Nuruddin, Regional Director LuLu Hypermarket Eastern Province and other officials.
https://www.zawya.com/en/business/retail-and-consumer/lulu-opens-new-hypermarket-in-saudis-saihat-plqomiqa
Saudi visit visa can be extended 7 days before its expiry
Riyadh - The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) said that the visit visa could be extended seven days before its expiry date with the condition of having a valid medical insurance.
The visit visa for individuals can be extended through the host's account on Absher platform, seven days before its validity expires, provided that the visitor has medical insurance in accordance with the specific conditions of the service to complete the procedure.
Jawazat noted that the instructions require that the total extension of the visit visa must not exceed 180 days, while it confirmed that a fine for delaying the extension of the visit visa would be imposed if three days have passed since its expiry date.
Converting a visitor visa into a residential visa is not possible, Jawazat confirmed.
It also noted that if the host's record contains traffic violations, it does not hinder the renewal of the visitor's visa for those on his record through the Absher platform.
And the expiration of the host's resident identity also does not hinder the extension of the visitor's visit visa.
https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/saudi-visit-visa-can-be-extended-7-days-before-its-expiry-xw4qxs1c
Saudi Arabia starts e-visa service for Hayya cardholders
RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday the launch of an electronic service that enables holders of the Hayya fan card for the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 to obtain a visa to enter the Kingdom free of charge.
The Hayya card holders can apply for visas through the Unified Visa Platform. The ministry said that the visa application can be submitted through the online platform https://visa.mofa.gov.sa.
It is noteworthy that the Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved that the state would bear the costs of e-services - related to the e-visas service platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - for issuing an entry visa to Saudi Arabia for holders of Hayya cards.
Hayya card is a personalized document that is issued and required by every single person attending any of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. The ministry earlier announced permitting Hayya Card holders to spend up to 60 days in the Kingdom during the World Cup season.
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/626046/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-starts-e-visa-service-for-Hayya-cardholders
Saudis can now request for e-passport via Absher
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that the Saudi electronic passport can now be issued through the Absher platform. The Saudi electronic passport was launched in February 2022.
The Jawazat clarified that Saudi nationals and their dependents can now submit a request to issue the e-passport for them or for their dependents via the services menu for Family Members in Absher.
The national ID is a mandatory requirement for those aged 10 years and above to be able to issue the e-passport, the Jawazat said.
It called on citizens to benefit from the service provided on the Absher platform. The shipping carrier option is available on the portal and the passport will be delivered to the postal address registered on Absher.
The electronic passport was designed with the highest security specifications and is compatible with the International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.
The new Saudi electronic passport is characterized by changes in its details and content, such as its external colour and security features. Also, it contains an encrypted chip ensuring data security. The passport's data card contains the holder's information, three photos with different technologies, and the possibility of digitally verifying the passport through digital portals.
Retaining Saudi identity, vital tourist attractions in the Kingdom have been watermarked on all pages of the electronic passport.
https://www.gulf-insider.com/saudis-can-now-issue-e-passport-via-absher/
Qatar rent expected drop to pre-2020 levels by next year: report
Real estate experts are predicting that the spike in residential rent will end by 2023.
Residential rent will 'inevitably' return to pre-2020 levels by next year, just months after the mega football tournament comes to an end, Qatar's leading global real estate consultancy has stated.
In the last year, rent in Qatar has witnessed an all-time high, with some recording over a 50% increase as well as two-year contract periods. Thousands around the country have been forced to either cut their expenses to afford the hike in prices or abruptly move to a smaller rental.
Meanwhile, some residents claim they were forced to leave their apartments to leave space for World Cup visitors.
However, the report says shortly after the World Cup comes to an end, prices are expected to further decrease, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
All about Qatar real-estate predictions
The global real estate company released its Q3 2022 Qatar real estate market report earlier this week, analysing the rise in real estate demand in the last three years and the factors behind them.
Cushman & Wakefield made a number of observations, one of which was that the extraordinary demand brought forth by the FIFA World Cup played a significant role in the recent rise in residential rents in Qatar.
While some apartment rates have risen by as much as 40% recently, according to Cushman & Wakefield, rents will certainly return to levels from before the 2020 tournament in 2023 due to changes in the real estate market after the tournament.
"The recent trend in escalating residential rents is a result of a spike in demand created by Qatar's hosting of the World Cup. We expect this trend to reverse in 2023 as apartment buildings and new masterplanned developments are released to the wider market," said Johnny Archer, Head of Consulting and Research at Cushman & Wakefield Qatar.
Surge in Qatar rental prices threatens some low-income families
However, per the newly released report, there has been a considerable decrease in real estate sales in 2022 after a rise in activity between 2019 and 2021. The company says many potential buyers are taking a 'wait and see approach' strategy until after the World Cup when greater clarity is anticipated to return to the market.
The Covid-19 outbreak and the rise in businesses enabling employees to work from home have both had an adverse effect on the commercial office sector in Qatar, similar to other nations around the world.
But just as the pandemic slowly comes to an end, the firm predicts that there will be a rise in office leasing activity again in 2022, with the majority of agreements taking place in West Bay or Lusail.
The development of the hydrocarbon industry, as well as the expansion of the Qatar Financial Centre and the foundation of the Qatar Free Zone Authority, are the main market drivers.
The opening of Place Vendome in Lusail in 2022 was particularly notable for the sector's continued expansion in the retail real estate market.
Qatar's community will soon have more retail and restaurant alternatives thanks to a range of new areas opening, including Lusail Boulevard, MINA District, and Doha Oasis.
The company has determined that the quick rise in supply is the root reason for the rising vacancy and declining rental income in some older complexes, despite the fact that the quality of the retail offering has greatly increased.
Meanwhile, as expected, the World Cup has had a tremendous impact on Qatar's hospitality real estate industry. Thousands of additional rooms were added to the market in the second half of the financial year as a result of the tournament in November and December.
The sector's overall performance in 2022 takes into account the rise in visitors since the Covid-affected years of 2020 and 2021.
Despite the 67% increase in visitors in August, the numbers are still lower than they were before the outbreak.
"Recent activity in the commercial office market has been encouraging following the Covid-19-affected years of 2020 and 2021; however, further take-up of commercial real estate will rely upon further diversification of the economy and the continued growth of the private sector," Archer added.
However, the FIFA World Cup is expected to bring in over a million visitors, which will push tourism numbers to previously unheard-of heights and improve hotel bookings and earnings for the entire year.
After that, Qatar's hospitality industry will be significantly dependent on the continued hosting of important international events and fairs, the steady expansion of business and leisure travel, and the return of visitors from around the region.
https://dohanews.co/qatar-rent-expected-drop-to-pre-2020-levels-by-next-year-report/
Oman eases visa rules for GCC residents
All residents of the GCC countries can now enter Oman for all commercial professions without a visa, reports quoting a circular from the Directorate General of Passports and Residence said.
According to the directive, GCC residents are not required to come from the country of residence. For example, a resident of any GCC country is not required to arrive directly from that GCC country to avail this facility. It is permitted at any time and from any destination they arrive from, said Times of Oman report quoting a circular from Oman Airports.
It is required that the residence visa be valid in the GCC for a period of no less than three months, it said.
https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/oman-eases-visa-rules-for-gcc-residents-wagz5zyz
Oman: Medical test fees at for expat visa slashed
In a major concession for expatriates, the Minister of Health has ordered to waive off some examination fees for tests at private health institutions for the purpose of obtaining residency permits in the Sultanate of Oman from November 1, 2022.
As per the new amendments, a request for examination of expatriates must be submitted through Sanad offices after payment of a fee of OMR30. Thereafter, the expatriate will be directed to undergo necessary medical examinations at private medical examination centres without paying any fees.
https://www.gulf-insider.com/oman-medical-test-fees-for-expat-visa-slashed-no-stamping-of-certificates-needed/
Kuwait to cancel residence visas if expats remain outside the country for six months
Kuwait's Interior Ministry has issued a decision to cancel residence permits belonging to expats holding government sector, partner, family, student and self-sponsorship visas, if they remain outside the country for a period of more than six months.
The announcement was made by the ministry's Residency Affairs Department and pertains to the duration of presence outside Kuwait calculated from August 1 2022, with the last date to return to the country being January 31, 2023.
Expats who remain outside Kuwait will have their residence permits automatically cancelled in accordance with the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 3 of the Expats Residence Law.
A previous decision was made for holders of Article 18 (private visa) who remained outside the country for a minimum of six months from May 2022.
The Interior Ministry had earlier created a provision for expats to stay outside the country for over two years as part of its humanitarian efforts during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1145928
Kuwait plans to slash expat population by 2023
Kuwait's Civil Service Commission (CSC) is preparing new plans to reduce the number of expatriates in the country by 2023.
According to estimates, the current population of Kuwait is 4,413,738 as per United Nations data. Expats account for about 70% of Kuwait's population, including 1.1 million Arab expatriates and 1.4 million Asian expatriates.
Kuwait's Civil Service Commission (CSC) plans are aimed at three steps, as per the local daily Kuwait Times report.
Initially, Kuwait's Civil Service Commission (CSC) will join with the Ministry of Interior to immediately deport all violators and sponsors who will be forced to pay deportation expenses along with other fees.
https://kwttoday.com/kuwait-plans-to-slash-expat-population-by-2023/
LMRA calls on expat workers to verify legal status
Manama, Oct. 12 (BNA): The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) called on all expatriate workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain to have their legal status verified, to preserve their rights and avoid legal accountability.
The Authority affirmed that the Kingdom has worked to develop the legal tools and legislative structures to guarantee labour rights, especially those of expatriate workers.
It stressed the need for workers to observe all applicable laws and regulations in the Kingdom, including the LMRA and Residency Laws.
The LMRA highlighted that based on the regulatory processes adopted in the Kingdom, an expatriate worker must obtain an official work permit from an employer in the Kingdom before arrival.
It stressed that the law prohibits an expatriate from illegally engaging in employment on a visit visa, and violators will be prosecuted through fines and deportation.
The LMRA stressed the need for expatriate workers to complete all legal procedures related to the work permit, including providing the Authority with biometric data within one month upon entering the Kingdom for the first time.
It also noted the need for expatriates with working permits to work at places indicated in the permit, or in other branches of the same employer that engage in the same activity.
The LMRA highlighted that the law requires the employer to bear all fees imposed on the worker, including health insurance costs, and prohibits the worker from providing any money or benefits to the employer in exchange for the issuance or renewal of a work permit. In cases of expat worker transfers, LMRA advises workers to cease working for the current employer until full transfer is completed and a new work permit is issued under the new employer.
The LMRA expressed its commitment to safeguard and protect the rights of workers, including those who are forced to work by employers, non-payment of wage disputes, and any potential crimes of trafficking. The LMRA urges expats to contact the designated centres to receive full support and guidance.
The LMRA stated that inquiries can be directed to the Expatriate Workers Protection and Support Centre on the hotline 995, which works around the clock in several languages.
https://www.bna.bh/en/LMRAcallsonexpatworkerstoverifylegalstatus.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDqNnxRLKOy%2bkVvilJVtT36s%3d
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