Bahrain Hikes Visa Conversion Fees: What You Need to Know
- Publish date: since a day
Massive fee increase for visa conversions hits Bahrain starting December 20.
- Related articles
- Bahrain Plans to Restrict Conversion of Visit Visa into Work Visa
- The Best Schools in Bahrain for Expat Children
- How to Get a Visa for Bahrain
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has announced a dramatic rise in fees for visa conversions, sparking reactions across the expat and local communities.
Under the newly issued Decree No. (119) of 2024, signed by Minister of Interior General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the cost of converting certain visas has skyrocketed, marking one of the largest fee hikes in recent years.
Effective December 20, 2024, converting a visit visa to a work visa under the same sponsor will now cost BD 250, up from the previous BD 60—a staggering increase of over 400%.
New Fees for Family and Work Visa Conversions
The decree also introduces two additional clauses targeting other visa types. Those seeking to convert a visit visa to a family reunification visa or a family reunification visa to a work visa will now face the same fee of BD 250.
This move, outlined in the Official Gazette on December 19, 2024, is part of Bahrain’s revised immigration policies aimed at streamlining administrative processes.
Implementation Timeline
The Ministry has mandated the Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs to enforce these changes immediately upon publication of the decree.
With these changes now in effect, individuals planning to adjust their visa status in Bahrain will need to rethink their options and budgets. Whether it’s a career move or a family reunification, the price tag has just gone up significantly.
Stay informed and plan ahead—this shift could change the game for visa holders in Bahrain!
Read More: How to Get a Visa for Bahrain
Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!