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The Gulf Expat

My employer is holding my passport in Bahrain: what can I do?

LMRA says an employer holding your passport or ID card is illegal. Report it to the police and ask the Expat Protection Centre for help.

Official page: LMRA frequently asked questions page.

What to do now

  1. Ask your employer for your passport in writing today. A message you can keep is best. Note the date you sent it.
  2. Photograph your passport page and residence permit if you still have copies.
  3. If your employer still refuses, report it at the police station.

What to ask HR

  1. Please return my passport today.
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What LMRA says

LMRA says withholding an expatriate's passport or ID card is illegal. It says to report the case at the police station. You can also ask the Expat Protection Centre for help.

When you speak to anyone, say "LMRA says" so they know the source.

If your employer still refuses

  1. Report it at the police station.
  2. Ask the Expat Protection Centre for help. It is named on the LMRA frequently asked questions page.
  3. Call the Ministry of Labour hotline on 80008001 and ask which article and penalty apply.

What to write

Keep the message short and polite. For example: "Please return my passport today. I need to keep it with me."

Send it by WhatsApp or email, so you have the date and time. If you speak to someone in person, write down who it was and what they said. If your employer replies, keep the reply too, with the date.

Keep a record

Write down each time you ask for your passport: the date, who you asked and what they said. Keep the messages together, for example in one folder on your phone. Send a copy to someone you trust, in case your phone is lost.

What to bring when you report it

  • A copy or photo of your passport page and your residence card.
  • Your contract and your latest payslip.
  • Your messages asking for the passport back, with the dates.
  • The name and address of your employer.

While you wait

  • Your embassy or consulate can advise you in your own language. It is worth a call if your employer will not answer.

Before you hand over your passport

LMRA's guide for expatriates says to keep your passport with you. Give it to your employer only if you fully agree.

Build your leaving plan too, so you know your other dates while this is sorted out.