Employers warned against seizing staff IDs

Manama, April 10, 2012

Rogue employers in Bahrain are breaking the law by confiscating the CPR (central population registration) cards of their workers, said the kingdom’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

Authorities have reportedly received complaints from several people demanding the practice be stopped.

It could have severe consequences for those affected, with the card used on a daily basis to gain entry into buildings, help obtain loans and get treatment in hospital.

"LMRA would like to remind all employers and their employees to make sure that no one is keeping or confiscating anyone's ID or CPR card as it is a grave violation of Article 46 of the law for 2006 and we have been getting many reports in that respect," it said on its official Twitter account.

"Every employee must have his ID or CPR card with him/her at all times. Failure to produce an original identification during inspection will be recorded as an offence and whoever caused it will be fined up to BD300 ($795)."

Former Bahrain Human Rights Society secretary-general Dr Abdulla Al Deerazi said he was aware of the practice and the confiscation of a person's passport or CPR card was a severe violation of human rights.

"This is even against the Bahraini law and internationally freedom of movement is guaranteed to all and this cannot be violated," he said.

"Confiscating CPR cards and passports is not the right way and we are reaching a stage where in time sponsorship will be abolished. There is already the mobility law that allows workers to switch employers."

Dr Al Deerazi said all workers should be in possession of their important documents, including the passport, which is issued by their countries.

"This confiscation of documents by employers or any party should stop," he added. – TradeArabia News Service

Tags: Bahrain | CPR | LMRA | ID cards | Employers |