welder

As per the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the minimum wage guideline for skilled welders in the private sector is BHD 350 per month as of January 2026. Overtime pay is calculated at 1.25 times the hourly rate for the first 4 hours and 1.5 times thereafter, capped at 272 hours annually. Employers must register salaries under the Wage Protection System.

Foreign welders require a job offer from a Bahrain sponsor to apply for an Article 19 work residence permit via LMRA, valid for 2 years at BHD 200 issuance fee plus BHD 100 medical test fee as of 2026. The sponsor submits the application online within 90 days of arrival. Welders must pass a profession test if required for their skill level.

Welders need a minimum of a technical diploma from an accredited vocational institute or 3 years of verifiable experience in MIG/TIG welding as per MLSD standards effective 2026. Bahraini nationals require Tamkeen certification, while expatriates must provide attested experience certificates. No university degree is mandatory.

Required documents include a valid passport copy, attested educational certificates, 3 years employment letters, medical fitness report costing BHD 50, and police clearance, submitted by the employer to LMRA. Applications must be filed within 30 days of job contract signing as of 2026. Digital attestation via Bahrain's e-services portal is mandatory.