The Commission held a series of impactful meetings in Bahrain to explore the nation's approach to protecting migrant workers. Commissioners visited the Expat Protection Centre which provided insights into Bahrain's protective measures including recent innovations such as providing workers with digital IBANs and cellphones to enhance their access to financial services. A new system is also being developed to automatically inform the Government about whether migrant workers have been paid, ensuring timely and fair compensation. Commissioners discussed these advances and regional context with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance and Economy, and Minister of Sustainable Development.

Community leaders provide migrant worker perspectives:

The International Organisation for Migration facilitated an important meeting between the Commission and community leaders representing various migrant worker communities in Bahrain. Key takeaways from this meeting included:

• Advocacy and government collaboration: The importance of community leaders in advocating for migrant workers' rights and the necessity of establishing a trusting, collaborative relationship with the Government.

• Passport withholding: Identified as the most common vulnerability faced by migrant workers.

• Employee education: While protections are good, there is a need for greater education among employees to ensure they are aware of and can take advantage of their rights.

• Ongoing feedback: Community leaders committed to providing further feedback to the Commission on issues faced by migrant workers in Bahrain.