On 18 September 2008, the Union Cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour and Manpower Development between India and Bahrain for the protection and welfare of Indian workers in that country. The implementation of the MoU would benefit the Indian emigrant workers, especially the unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers and housemaids.

The MoU enumerates the responsibilities of the employers and workers and will facilitate the employment of workers. It gives the broad procedures for employment and provides for the protection and welfare of all categories of workers under the labour laws and other relevant laws of the host country. The agreement envisages bilateral co-operation between India and Bahrain to facilitate the mobilisation and recruitment of manpower and exchange of expertise, knowledge and experience in job creation and the generation of employment opportunity. The MoU also provides for authentication of the work contract between employer and the employee by the Ministry of Labour of Bahrain.

India has already signed similar labour agreements with Jordan, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait. Negotiations with Oman and Malaysia have been finalised.

The Cabinet also approved the constitution of a Joint Committee to implement the MoU and to review employment opportunities and the availability of corresponding skills in both countries. The committee will co-ordinate and take necessary action for the implementation of the MoU by the two countries.

During a visit to Bahrain in May 2006, the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs discussed the desirability of negotiating such an MoU with the Bahraini government. The 4th meeting of the Bahrain-India Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation was held on 14 and 15 November 2007 in Bahrain. The government of Bahrain agreed in principle to sign the MOU. Officials from India and Bahrain then held formal negotiations on 25 and 26 April 2008 to finalise the MoU.

Bahrain is an important destination for Indian workers. Of the nearly 2.70 lakh foreigners in Bahrain, an estimated 1.35 lakh are Indians. Most of them work in industry, construction and as housemaids. During 2007, about 30,000 workers emigrated to Bahrain on Employment Check Requiredpassports after obtaining emigration clearance from the Protectors of Emigrants. During 2006, this number was 37,688.

The condition of the Indian workers is often far from satisfactory. Complaints about ill treatment and exploitation of workers and housemaids have been received in the past. Entering into a formal MoU with the Bahrain government was, therefore, important for the promotion of employment and the protection and welfare of our workers.