http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=46124
Daily Dtar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Published On: 2008-07-17
Banglade**** Workers - Bahrain may lift ban, toughen up rules
Bahrain is likely to lift the ban on hiring Banglade**** workers soon
with some stringent conditions for workers and the government.
"We have come to know from our embassy in Bahrain that Manama is
actively considering withdrawal of the ban but we are yet to get any
official letter in this regard," said a high official of the Ministry
of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment yesterday.
The conditions include those seeking jobs in Bahrain should be at
least 25, and should have certificates on skills and on not having any
criminal records, the official said.
Bahrain stopped issuing work permits to Banglade**** nationals on May
26 this year after a group of legislators called for action following
the killing of a Bahraini national, Mohammed Jassim Dossary, 38. He
was murdered allegedly by a Banglade**** technician.
The ban however drew criticisms from various human rights groups and
Banglade**** nationals in Bahrain. They argued that all nationals of a
country must not suffer for a crime committed by one person.
Bahraini newspaper Gulf Daily News yesterday re****ted that once the
ban is lifted, Banglade**** workers will have to provide certificate of
good conduct issued by a government authority and attested by the
Bangladesh embassy in Bahrain before they can qualify for visa.
They must be aged 25 or above, have health certificate attested by the
Bangladesh embassy, and no criminal record, it said.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) of Bahrain has already
started accepting visa applications on behalf of Banglade**** workers
from their potential employers, chief executive of the LMRA Ali Radhi
told the daily.
Candidates must first undergo strict security screening at the General
Directorate of Nationality, Pass****ts and Residence (GDNPR) once the
LMRA processes their applications for visa.
Those applying for specialised jobs should also submit do***ents to
prove their qualifications and skills, said a GDNPR spokesman.
Bangladesh embassy Charge d' Affaires Saiful Islam told the Gulf Daily
News that he had not yet received official information from the
Interior Ministry on lifting of the ban but welcomed any step in that
direction.
"During a recent meeting, Interior Minister Shaikh Ra****d bin Abdulla
Al Khalifa had promised to consider resuming visas for our nationals,"
he said.
"We are happy to note that it is being resumed. However, we are
awaiting official confirmation."
An expatriates' welfare ministry official said, "Our embassy in
Bahrain is negotiating to ease the conditions."
Over one lakh Banglade****s are working in Bahrain.
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