Expats ‘caught in visa racket’
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 28th April 2007
MANY expatriate workers are being left stranded in Bahrain and unable to work because employees are abusing the sponsorship system, according to a rights activist.
Migrant Workers’ Protection Society (MWPS) committee head Marietta Dias says some companies are automatically renewing the visa of their employees, even if they have finished their contracts and resigned with the correct paperwork.
This means they have trouble leaving Bahrain or are unable to legally work for anyone else until the situation is resolved.
Expats ‘caught in visa racket’
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 28th April 2007
MANY expatriate workers are being left stranded in Bahrain and unable to work because employees are abusing the sponsorship system, according to a rights activist.
Migrant Workers’ Protection Society (MWPS) committee head Marietta Dias says some companies are automatically renewing the visa of their employees, even if they have finished their contracts and resigned with the correct paperwork.
This means they have trouble leaving Bahrain or are unable to legally work for anyone else until the situation is resolved.
Even if they manage to get out of the country, they are then unable to return to Bahrain for at least two years, or until the visa renewed against their will expires, as they would be classified as illegal and would be unable to work for another sponsor.
She said in the most recent case, it took an Indian salesman from Chennai around seven months to leave the country following negotiations between the MWPS and immigration authorities.
He had completed his contract and wanted to return home, but was left stranded after his sponsor renewed his visa.
“The laws are there, we are not faulting the government, but somebody has to look into it and act on them,” said Ms Dias.
“We know this practice is going on and it must be stopped.
“It is okay for the top people (who encounter problems) who get the back-up of lawyers, but for poor labourers and others it does not work.
“It is not only labourers, white-collar workers are also going through this.”
Ms Dias is unsure why some companies and sponsors in Bahrain indulge in this practice as she says they have nothing to gain except preventing ex-employees from working for anyone else.
“I presume it is just meanness because why would you renew a visa when you know the person is leaving the country? she asked.
“What do they gain out of this?
“The worker cannot return to Bahrain and work for anyone else.
“It looks like people are choosing parts of the law that suit them.”
© Gulf Daily News
