Manama: The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), successfully conducted a two-day awareness-raising program on 8 and 9 August. The program, a key component of the “Working Together” initiative, aimed to strengthen partnerships and empower leaders and focal points from 20 different expatriate communities, promoting the shared responsibility in promoting fair labour practices.
The initiative reflects LMRA’s commitment to forging strong partnerships that further enhance the protection and support of expatriate workers in Bahrain. Participants were provided withfirsthand insights into LMRA’s extensive support services during a guided tour of the LMRA’s Expat Protection Centre (EPC) in North Sehla. The tour served to deepen their understanding of the resources available, including legal counseling, grievance handling, and support for victims of exploitation. The 995 National Human Trafficking Hotline, which operates 24/7 in multiple languages, was also highlighted as a critical resource in safeguarding workers’ rights.
“This program marks a pivotal step in how we engage with worker communities in Bahrain. By further empowering them to ensure that their voices are heard, we make the ‘Working Together’ initiative both relevant and impactful in preserving a balanced work relationship,” said Mr. Fahad AlBinali, Director of Partnership and Outreach at LMRA. “Our partnerships, like the one we have with IOM, are essential in deepening the trust needed to protect the rights of all workers.”
The collaborative nature of the initiative was further emphasized with the inaugural ‘Workshop for Community Actors’ held in Manama on 9 August. This workshop provided participants with a platform to share insights on the experiences and challenges faced by their community members, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
“The co-design approach at the heart of the ‘Working Together’ initiative is vital for ensuring that the information needs of Bahrain’s diverse expatriate communities are fully understood and addressed. This collaborative effort is key to building trust, enhancing outreach, and ultimately making meaningful impact,” said Ms. Erika Broers, Chief of Mission (a.i) of IOM in Bahrain.
Launched on 30 July in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the ‘Working Together’ initiative encompasses a series of projects and activities aimed at raising awareness among both workers and employers. By highlighting available support services and strengthening knowledge about trafficking in persons, the initiative contributes to a stable and equitable work environment.
This initiative is a testament to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to maintaining an organized labour market that safeguards the rights of all involved. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
