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Find out moreWelcome to the first edition of Law Update for 2025. As we begin this exciting year, we are pleased to turn our attention to one of the most dynamic sectors in the UAE and the broader GCC region – healthcare. Over the past several years, the region has seen unprecedented growth in this sector, driven by legislative advancements, technological innovations, and the increasing focus on sustainability and AI. As such, healthcare is set to be one of the most important sectors in the coming decade.
In this issue, we explore key themes that are significantly shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE, such as recent changes in foreign ownership laws. These reforms present a major opportunity for foreign investors, opening up new avenues for international collaborations and improving the overall healthcare infrastructure. The changes in ownership laws are an important milestone, and we provide an analysis of what this means for the industry and the various players involved.
Read NowThe Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority (“LMRA”), in cooperation with the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, has stepped up its inspection campaigns with the aim of cracking down on any prohibited practices that are detrimental to the labour market in Bahrain.
The inspection campaigns – which are primarily targeted towards illegal and undocumented expatriate workers in the Kingdom – has led to the arrest and deportation of several violating workers in line with the penalties prescribed under Law No. 19 of 2006 with respect to Regulation of the Labour Market (as amended) (“LMRA Law”).
The LMRA will continue liaising with the component authorities in Bahrain to inspect commercial registers with the aim of ensuring nationwide compliance with the LMRA’s rules and regulations.
Employers hiring foreign workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain should ensure that they take all required steps to formalise the employment and sponsorship of their employees, including the following:
In addition to the above, and with reference to the LMRA Law, employers must be cautious not to assign or second its sponsored employees to third parties, unless the relevant employee completes the regulatory requirements to legally transfer to another employer.
Where an entity employing foreign employees fails to comply with the LMRA Law, the following penalties may be imposed by the LMRA:
As a leading law firm in the Middle East & North Africa Region and with a reputable and dedicated employment practice, Al Tamimi & Company is well placed to advise you on visa/permit requirements for foreign employees.
If you would like to further discuss the contents of this update, please contact Al Tamimi & Company in Bahrain.
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