Reviewed: 9 October 2026. This is general information. Official sources are linked below; individual cases and applicable rules should be checked with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
When can an employer submit a notification?
LMRA describes this service for an expatriate employee absent for at least 15 days without a justifiable reason or notice. The employee must be in Bahrain. The establishment and commercial registration must be valid, and other service conditions apply.
The work permit must remain valid for at least 15 days after the administrative fee is paid. Submission starts a verification process; it should not be described as an immediate final decision.
Official sources: LMRA: Expatriate Employee Absence from Work Notification
Prepare accurate supporting records
The official checklist includes the notification form, employment contract, and the last three months of attendance and salary-payment records. LMRA specifies a signed explanation where attendance or payment records are unavailable.
- Record the actual last working date and relevant communications.
- Check the status through EMS or LMRA rather than assuming approval.
- Do not use a general website checklist to decide whether someone has breached their permit.
Official sources: LMRA: Expatriate Employee Absence from Work Notification
How can an employee challenge a report?
LMRA’s verification-period grievance service states a window of 11 working days from submission of the notice. Its conditions include a labour dispute or court case predating the notification, or evidence that the employer terminated the employee’s service before or during submission.
Use the Expatriate Services System and provide the relevant evidence: an explanation, termination or resignation correspondence, registered-mail proof, or existing complaint/court records. Check the applicable route promptly with LMRA; this is not a universal appeal deadline for every type of case.
Official sources: LMRA: grievance during the verification period
Distinguish a pending report from an approved notice
LMRA states that an approved notification cannot be cancelled through this notification service and restricts transfer or re-employment. Obtain guidance on the actual case status. The report does not establish a blanket rule that all earned wages or benefits disappear.
Official sources: LMRA: Expatriate Employee Absence from Work Notification
Related guides
- LMRA employee transfer in Bahrain
- End-of-service benefits in Bahrain: SIO and earlier service
- Bahrain Dependent Visa: Spouse & Children
- Bahrain termination notice and final settlement
- Bahrain Flexi Visa: Registered Worker Permit
- Bahrain pension calculation: check your SIO scheme
- Bahrain SIO contribution rates: scheme and payroll checks
- Leaving and returning to Bahrain: travel checks
Ask BahrainAgent about document support. Authority decisions and legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed.