Bahrain Mirror: Chief Executive of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Osama Al-Absi rejected considering the flexible work permit as a selling of "visas" and said "the state does not sell permits, we are a party that issues licenses according to clear requirements in return for fees levied by the law."

He added "who says we are "selling" permits, why doesn't he also say that we have "sold" permits to the holder of the regular commercial register if this is the case? We issue permits according to laws. These words aim at stirring up the situation and are not accepted by conscious readers."

He also stressed that the regime targets giving work permits to 24 thousand workers annually, however, those who submitted for visa didn't exceed 4000.

Arabic Version