Manama: As part of government efforts to improve service quality and re-engineer services, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has developed its work permit renewal service for Golden Residency holders, making it a digital service that enables employers to renew work permits for Golden Residency holders before their expiry.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the renewed service allows work permits to be extended for six months, one year, or two years. The advanced service reduces processing time from 10 working days to an immediate, automated process. Additionally, required documents have been cut by 50%, and the service-level agreement (SLA) by 25%. The application process has been simplified, becoming entirely electronic, with necessary approvals decreased by 25%.
The LMRA has also unified service information across all channels and enhanced service efficiency to provide beneficiaries with a more streamlined and clearer digital experience. Ahmed Ebrahim Al Arabi, Deputy CEO Operations and Services, emphasized that the development is part of the Authority's efforts to adopt innovative digital solutions that streamline procedures and improve the beneficiary experience.
Al Arabi further stated that this service development reflects LMRA's commitment to improving service quality, reducing time and effort, and enhancing the work system's effectiveness. As part of wider governmental initiatives, over 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published, with around 800 services undergoing development and re-engineering across various sectors.
These efforts are based on proposals and feedback received through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints, Tawasul, as well as investor feedback and secret shopper reports evaluating government services. The launch of guidance manuals and service level agreements also supports these initiatives, contributing to procedural efficiency, service quality, and the government's digital transformation journey.