The Coronavirus epidemic has pushed the issue of foreign labor in the Gulf to the forefront as the deplorable humanitarian conditions that foreign workers suffer were brought to light as well as the great pressure they add to the health system during this critical time.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development said 25,000 foreigners have benefited from flexible work permits in two years and four months since the law was applied.

Vice President of the Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Khalid Najaibi, told local Al-Bilad newspaper that there are new controls that will be most likely announced within two months, concerning commercial records and licenses for foreign companies, in addition to the limiting of consequences of Flexible Work permits, and what is known as the "free visa", as well as setting controls on external cash transfers of foreigners.

The Parliament approved on Tuesday (March 12, 2019) an urgent proposal to scrap a flexible work permit scheme for foreigner workers.

t is very difficult for Bahrainis, who are marginalized in their own country, to hear their PM Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa say that the government “doesn’t accept those competing with Bahrainis over their livelihoods”

Although multiple Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) meetings were held with Bahraini Finance Minister and Industry and Commerce Minister, it doesn’t seem that both parties are heading towards a compromise on a certain method, especially regarding the flexible work permit issue.

MP Ahmad Al-Salloum called on the government to stop issuing flexible work permits, which is granted by the the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to non-organized workforce.