Manama, December 20, 2024 – The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is honoured to have had the opportunity to support community organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain to celebrate International Migrants Day.

Bringing together more than 540 community members from across the Kingdom’s diverse expatriate population, the event underscored the valuable economic and cultural contributions that expatriate workers and their families make to Bahrain’s development. The event included cultural stands and performances, an art corner and a space for sharing testimonials and personal stories, as well as free medical check-ups provided by Al Hilal Hospital.

The event also celebrated the “Working Together” Joint Initiative between the LMRA and IOM, which aims to enhance awareness of the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees in the Kingdom. Over the course of 2024, the “Working Together” initiative has brought together employers, workers, diplomatic missions and key stakeholders through a range of collaborative formats to raise awareness, exchange ideas and share good practices on how to strengthen the protection of expatriate workers in the Kingdom.

"International Migrants Day is about recognition of contributions and protection. Those two things have been at the heart of the Working Together campaign. Over the past year we've been working together with expat communities, diplomatic missions, and employers and employees from both public and private sector to raise awareness and develop partnerships to inform, support, and to protect” said Mr. Fahad Albinali, Director of Partnership and Outreach at LMRA.

“We are delighted to celebrate International Migrants Day with the LMRA and so many wonderful community organizations, leaders and workers”, said Mrs. Ihma Shareef, IOM Bahrain Chief of Mission. “Migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development, for both countries of origin and destination, and today’s celebration truly captures the spirit of International Migrants Day in its recognition of the invaluable contribution of migrants in the Kingdom.”