Labour Exploitation and Criminal Liability for Contractors and Subcontractors in Bahrain
The construction and contracting sectors in Bahrain rely heavily on skilled and unskilled labour, often employing large numbers of expatriate workers. While these workers are essential to the success of projects, they are also among the most vulnerable to labour exploitation. Practices such as withholding wages, unsafe working conditions, and illegal recruitment are not only violations of employment law but can also trigger criminal liability for contractors and subcontractors.
Bahrain’s Labour Law (Law No. 36 of 2012) and related criminal provisions impose strict obligations on employers. Contractors and subcontractors who fail to comply risk investigations, fines, imprisonment, and blacklisting. Working with an experienced lawyer in Bahrain ensures companies remain compliant, protect their workforce, and defend themselves if allegations arise.
As one of the leading Law Firms in Bahrain, discover how we handle criminal litigation.
What Constitutes Labour Exploitation in Bahrain?
Labour exploitation occurs when workers are subjected to unfair or illegal practices, including:
- Withholding Wages or Benefits – Failure to pay workers on time or deducting unlawful amounts.
- Unsafe Working Conditions – Ignoring health and safety requirements on high-risk construction sites.
- Excessive Working Hours – Violating maximum hours and rest period requirements.
- Passport Retention – Holding workers’ passports, a practice prohibited under Bahraini regulations.
- Illegal Recruitment Practices – Charging workers unlawful fees or misrepresenting job conditions.
- Forced Labour or Threats – Coercing workers to continue employment under unfair conditions.
Why Contractors and Subcontractors Are at Risk
- Large Workforce Management – Construction projects involve hundreds of workers, making oversight challenging.
- Multiple Subcontracting Layers – Subcontractors may exploit workers while main contractors remain legally responsible.
- Pressure to Reduce Costs – Cutting expenses sometimes leads to non-compliance with labour standards.
- High Visibility of Projects – Real estate and infrastructure projects are monitored closely by authorities, investors, and the public.
Criminal Consequences Under Bahraini Law
- Imprisonment and Heavy Fines
- Employers, contractors, or subcontractors found guilty of labour exploitation may face imprisonment and substantial financial penalties.
- Civil Compensation Claims
- Exploited workers can file civil claims for damages in addition to criminal complaints.
- Project Suspension or
Blacklisting
- Authorities may suspend non-compliant companies from public tenders or cancel project approvals.
- Personal Liability for
Executives
- Managers and directors may be held personally accountable for systemic labour violations.
- Reputational Damage
- Allegations of exploitation can harm a company’s credibility with investors and government agencies.
An experienced advocate in Bahrain can defend contractors in investigations and courts while mitigating reputational risks.
As a Leading Criminal Law Firm in Bahrain contact us to Protect Your Rights
How Contractors and Subcontractors Can Protect Themselves
1. Comply with Wage and Benefit Requirements
Ensure workers are paid in full and on time. Use Wages Protection Systems (WPS) to maintain transparency.
2. Enforce Health and Safety Standards
Provide PPE, safety training, and regular site inspections to comply with Bahrain’s labour and criminal laws.
3. Monitor Subcontractors Closely
Main contractors should include labour compliance obligations in contracts and audit subcontractors regularly.
4. Train HR and Site Managers
Educate managers on Bahraini labour laws to prevent unlawful practices such as passport retention or wage deductions.
5. Seek Legal Oversight
A law firm in Bahrain can review contracts, labour policies, and recruitment practices to ensure compliance.
Role of Legal Services in Labour Exploitation Cases
Professional legal services in Bahrain support contractors and subcontractors by:
- Drafting and reviewing employment contracts in compliance with Bahraini law.
- Advising on safe and legal recruitment practices.
- Acting as advocates in Bahrain in criminal and labour court cases.
- Representing companies in worker disputes, civil claims, and arbitration.
- Advising on compliance with LMRA, SIO, and Ministry of Labour regulations.
By partnering with a reliable law firm in Bahrain, contractors protect their projects from legal risks and maintain a positive reputation.
In Bahrain’s construction and contracting industries, labour exploitation is a criminal offense with severe consequences. From unpaid wages to unsafe conditions, violations can result in imprisonment, fines, blacklisting, and reputational harm.
For contractors and subcontractors, prevention is the only safe strategy. By working with a trusted lawyer in Bahrain and engaging professional legal services in Bahrain, companies can ensure compliance, protect their workforce, and defend their business interests.
At Manal Dhahi Legal Consultants, Attorney & Private Notary, our experienced advocates in Bahrain provide specialized support to contractors and developers. We help prevent labour exploitation, defend against allegations, and ensure your projects remain both legally compliant and socially responsible.
