Bahrain tightens wage payment enforcement as worker complaints rise in 2025

In February 2026, Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour, in coordination with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), stepped up enforcement measures to ensure timely wage payments in the private sector, following a sharp increase in worker complaints.

More than 2,300 complaints related to delayed salaries were recorded over the past four years, with 2025 marking the highest number at 537 cases. Authorities say the surge has prompted stricter oversight and the rollout of enhanced compliance mechanisms.

Central to the new enforcement drive is the mandatory Enhanced Wage Protection System (WPS 2.0), which became operational in early 2026. Under the updated framework, all private sector wages must now be paid electronically through the LMRA WPS Portal, with direct bank transfers and manual payments no longer permitted.

Employers were also required to appoint a designated Wages Responsible Person (WRP) by February 1, 2026, tasked with managing payroll compliance and submitting monthly wage files. While the system is already live, the final deadline for the first mandatory filing for all private sector companies is set for the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Authorities have warned that delays or non-compliance will trigger immediate consequences. These include administrative blocks on LMRA services such as work visa issuance and renewals, as well as financial penalties under Article 188 of the Labour Law, which allows for fines ranging from BD 200 to BD 500 per violation.

Judicial enforcement has also intensified. In a recent ruling in February 2026, a Bahraini court ordered a company to pay a senior manager more than BD 33,000 in unpaid wages and benefits, along with legal interest, underscoring the legal risks employers face for salary delays.

In a further tightening of oversight, payroll compliance has been linked to Bahrainization requirements. Employees whose wages fall below sector-specific minimum thresholds, typically BD 250 for certain roles, may no longer be counted toward a company’s Bahrainisation quota.

Workers experiencing delayed or unpaid wages can file complaints through the Tawasul national complaints platform, contact the Labour Department helpline on 155214, or visit Ministry of Labour or LMRA offices in person.

The measures reflect Bahrain’s broader push to strengthen worker protections, improve wage transparency, and hold employers accountable through digital monitoring and enforcement.