NPRA suspends the conversion of visit visas to work or dependent visas without a sponsor

16 February 2024 – The Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, announced that as per the decision of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa relating to NPRA services, the authorities have decided to suspend the conversion of visit visas into work or dependent visas without a sponsor.

Visit visas with a sponsor can be converted into a work or dependent visa inside the country provided there is no change in the visa sponsor, however, the fee for the application has been increased from BD 60 to BD 250. 

Additionally, to avoid violation of entry regulations, airlines have been instructed not to board anyone traveling to the Kingdom of Bahrain without a return ticket and sufficient funds if traveling on a visit visa or a valid residence permit. These measures are being implemented in collaboration with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).For more information, please visit: The Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs.

Deloitte’s view

The NPRA's decision to suspend the conversion of visit visas to work or dependent visas without a sponsor aligns with the Bahrain government’s directives to tighten rules on visa conversions, aiming to curb the misuse of visit visas. 

This policy change seeks to accentuate local workforce employment as the primary choice for job opportunities. Deloitte is tracking these developments closely and for any further.

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