FOREIGN businessmen pumping millions into Bahrain say they are being treated like second-class citizens by authorities.
They are frustrated that they may own a business, but they cannot buy a home here. They create jobs, yet are treated as if they have "just come off the boat" when it comes to getting or renewing visas.
Now, they want the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) to take up the cudgels on their behalf, to make the country live up to its "business friendly" claims.
BCCI board election candidate, Mashal Group chief executive director and top economist Dr Yousef Mashal, complained earlier that foreign direct investors were facing many problems and it was time the BCCI stepped up on their behalf.
P Haridas and Sons managing director Bhagwan Asarpota said foreign investors didn't want to be pampered, but to be treated as businessmen.
"Industrialists and investors who have children aged 18 and above are facing problems with their sponsorship. We have invested millions in the country, but the way we are treated is degrading," said the Indian investor.
"When it comes to visa renewal for myself, I am treated like one of my employees, not as a businessman.
"Most government authorities give lip service, they say "you are the pioneers in the businesses", but when it comes to giving us respect, it isn't shown by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
"Before, when our resident permits expired, we would go to immigration for renewal and it was faster and better, but now we are transferred to LMRA and they treat us like an employee not as an investor.
"We have been in Bahrain for over six generations, it's home to us and our only request to the government is don't pamper us, but give us due respect."
Metals of Bahrain managing director Rami Khalifeh agreed that foreign investors were facing many obstacles in Bahrain, but that no-one was really addressing their plight.
"The problem is Bahrain wants investment but it doesn't want investors," the Jordanian told the GDN.
"We aren't allowed to own property. How is it that I can own a multi-million dinar factory but can't buy a BD250,000 house? I don't understand the logic behind it.
"We are treated like a guy who has just got off the boat. He gets a two-year work permit and so do I, but it's worse for me as an investor.
"The labourers' work permit takes two minutes to process, but an investor's takes three to four weeks to renew."
Mr Khalifeh explained that foreign investors were also facing many of the same problems as local investors.
Top of the list were obtaining extra work permits for expatriates, finding transportation and housing for labourers and long delays on the Saudi causeway.
"We are unable to bring in more expatriate labourers because the LMRA won't issue extra work permits, they say hire more Bahrainis, but they aren't available," he explained.
"I've tried to find a driver, office boy and secretary locally, but they aren't available."
Mr Khalifeh said finding housing for labourers was also a problem because Bahrainis didn't want them for neighbours and there weren't enough labour camps.
"It would be nice if the government can allocate a plot of land outside the city for labour accommodation that we could buy or rent," he said.
"We also need more action to be taken about the delays of imports and exports on the Saudi causeway."
Dr Mashal explained that the problems being faced by foreign investors were making them think twice before expanding their businesses.
However, he believed with the help of the BCCI, the issues could easily be solved.
"As Vision 2030 calls for an increase in foreign direct investment and as the branding of Bahrain is flying over the world as 'business friendly', I think we should start working on the friendly part, which is very easy to do," said Dr Mashal.
"The system of LMRA is superb, but those running the system need to put the friendly part in their mind when it comes to foreign investors."
Dr Mashal explained that the BCCI was responsible for looking after the interests of the private sector and that included giving support to foreign investors.
The BCCI, he said, should provide information to investors in an international language such as English and invite them to join its activities and committees.
Having foreign investors close to the BCCI would enable the chamber to voice their problems, as well as promote solutions and give advice to the government, he added.
Foreign investors should also make sure they make themselves heard in the BCCI board elections, on November 16, said Dr Mashal.
"I would like to invite all foreign investors who are having a business in Bahrain - trade or industry - to register themselves at the BCCI and vote on November 16," he said.
"They all need to be represented after the election and be available in committees connected to the BCCI, because that is the legal umbrella of the private sector and the only place the government goes to on any economic issue.
"And this will include socio-economic problems that need to be cleared as it is affecting their investment and investment decisions."
becky@gdn.com.bh
