The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed the second-phase agreement to support the Regional Training Centre in Combating Trafficking in Persons (2025–2028).
The agreement was signed by Nibras Talib, LMRA Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons; and Aishath Ihma Shareef, Head of IOM Mission in Bahrain.
The agreement aims to enhance Bahrain’s efforts in combating trafficking in persons, build national and regional capacities, and strengthen cooperation in line with international standards.
Talib affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to further developing its anti-trafficking efforts, drawing on international expertise and partnerships, particularly with IOM, to consolidate Bahrain’s position as a leading regional model in victim protection and capacity-building through the Regional Training Centre.
He noted that the second phase builds on the success of the first, through the implementation of new specialised training programmes and the development of practical tools to address various forms of trafficking in persons.
The new phase focuses on expanding capacity-building initiatives, adapting training curricula for a wider range of beneficiaries, preparing materials for frontline workers, developing e-learning modules, and conducting awareness workshops. It also aims to raise awareness among private sector employers on trafficking prevention.
The agreement includes the design of a professional diploma in combating trafficking in persons, the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess performance and long-term impact, and the promotion of regional and international cooperation through high-level technical and social events.
For her part, Shareef expressed pride in the partnership with LMRA, highlighting the success of joint programmes in training, knowledge dissemination, and expanding cooperation in developing national expertise and competencies.
She added that the new phase reflects the shared commitment of Bahrain and IOM to continue promoting a culture of combating trafficking in persons, respecting the rights of all parties, and developing training curricula for multiple sectors.
The first phase of the agreement comprised four key components: designing training curricula, preparing certified trainers, standardising operational procedures, and conducting awareness workshops.
It targeted national cadres from 17 frontline entities across six main sectors health, aviation, criminal justice, inspection, media, and shelter resulting in the certification of 87 trainers through 444 training hours, the production of 14 training modules in Arabic and English, and awareness training for nearly 500 employees through 49 workshops.