Bahrain suspends new work permits to SL and other COVID red-list countries 

Bahrain has, effective yesterday, temporarily suspended the issuance of new work permits to Sri Lankans and nationals of other red-list-classified countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The decision was made by Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority, based on the directive issued by its National Task Force for Combatting COVID. 

There are over 10,000 Sri Lankan workers in Bahrain. 

Other countries in Bahrain’s red list are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, a move effective from 24 May. 

Bahrain said countries on the red list are added or removed based on regular review.