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Bahrain work visa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens

For Sri passport holders · Checked 2026-08-15

Route available

Bahrain work permits are filed by the employer through the LMRA, with an SLBFE-approved job order on the Sri Lankan side.

What the employer must have

  • The employer must hold an LMRA account and file through the Expat Management System.
  • The demand must be approved by SLBFE as a job order.

What you must do before you leave

  1. Register with SLBFE before you leave. It is not optional: section 53(3) of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985 requires every Sri Lankan leaving for employment to register with the Bureau first, and registration is what puts you inside the welfare and insurance system if things go wrong.
  2. Use a licensed foreign employment agency and check its licence number on slbfe.lk before you hand over anything.
  3. Ask for the JOB ORDER, and read the maximum fee printed on it. SLBFE approves each job order with a maximum amount the Sri Lankan agency may charge you — charging above it is an offence, and the figure is published on SLBFE's own site for anyone to check.
  4. Complete the pre-departure training the Bureau requires for your job category and keep the certificate.
  5. Ask for the LMRA permit reference alongside the SLBFE job order.

Things to watch

  • SLBFE states plainly that it cannot guarantee a listed vacancy is still open, because the agency may already have filled it. Always confirm the job order is live before you pay, resign or travel.
  • The maximum chargeable amount on the job order is the whole protection. If an agency asks for more than the printed figure, that is the moment to walk away and report it to SLBFE — not after you have paid.
  • Your stay depends on the employer holding a valid LMRA permit.

⚠️ Never pay anyone for a job offer or a visa on this route. Legitimate employers and licensed agents do not charge workers for jobs.

Official sources

This describes the immigration system, not your personal case, and not this specific vacancy.

Common questions

Can a Sri Lankan passport holder work in Bahrain?

Bahrain work permits are filed by the employer through the LMRA, with an SLBFE-approved job order on the Sri Lankan side.

What does an employer in Bahrain need before hiring a Sri Lankan worker?

The employer must hold an LMRA account and file through the Expat Management System. The demand must be approved by SLBFE as a job order.

What must a Sri Lankan citizen do before leaving to work in Bahrain?

Register with SLBFE before you leave. It is not optional: section 53(3) of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985 requires every Sri Lankan leaving for employment to register with the Bureau first, and registration is what puts you inside the welfare and insurance system if things go wrong. Use a licensed foreign employment agency and check its licence number on slbfe.lk before you hand over anything. Ask for the JOB ORDER, and read the maximum fee printed on it. SLBFE approves each job order with a maximum amount the Sri Lankan agency may charge you — charging above it is an offence, and the figure is published on SLBFE's own site for anyone to check. Complete the pre-departure training the Bureau requires for your job category and keep the certificate. Ask for the LMRA permit reference alongside the SLBFE job order.

What should Sri Lankan workers watch out for with Bahrain job offers?

SLBFE states plainly that it cannot guarantee a listed vacancy is still open, because the agency may already have filled it. Always confirm the job order is live before you pay, resign or travel. The maximum chargeable amount on the job order is the whole protection. If an agency asks for more than the printed figure, that is the moment to walk away and report it to SLBFE — not after you have paid. Your stay depends on the employer holding a valid LMRA permit.

Should I pay an agent for a job in Bahrain?

No. Never pay anyone for a job offer, a visa, or a place on a list. Legitimate recruitment for this route does not require the worker to pay for the job itself. Verify any agent against the official registers linked on this page.

Other countries Sri Lankan citizens can work in

All work visa guides

261 live Bahrain vacancies for Sri Lankan workers

From Sri Lanka's SLBFE register — vacancies registered for Sri Lankan workers.

See all jobs and apply