When hiring a domestic worker through an employment office in Bahrain, the law requires a Tripartite Domestic Contract — a legally binding agreement between the employer, the domestic employee, and the licensed employment office. This guide explains what it covers, why it matters, and how to obtain one.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 📋 Contract Type | Tripartite — Employer + Worker + Employment Office |
| 📋 Mandatory When | Hiring through a licensed employment office |
| 🌐 Download Form | LMRA Tripartite Contract PDF |
| 📞 LMRA Contact | +973 17506055 |
📋 What is the Tripartite Domestic Contract?
The Tripartite Domestic Employee Contract is an official LMRA document that formalizes the employment relationship when a domestic worker is recruited through a licensed Bahrain employment office. Unlike direct hiring, where only the employer and worker are involved, this contract creates a three-party legal agreement that adds an extra layer of protection for all parties.
👥 Who Are the Three Parties?
1️⃣ The Employer
The household owner or family in Bahrain who will employ the domestic worker.
2️⃣ The Domestic Employee
The worker (housemaid, cook, driver, nurse, etc.) who will provide domestic services.
3️⃣ The Employment Office
The LMRA-licensed recruitment agency facilitating the hire.
📝 What Does the Contract Cover?
- ✅ Salary — agreed monthly wage in BHD
- ✅ Working hours — daily and weekly schedule
- ✅ Rest days — weekly day off entitlement
- ✅ Accommodation & meals — employer responsibilities
- ✅ Annual leave — paid leave entitlement
- ✅ Return ticket — home country travel at contract end
- ✅ Contract duration — typically 2 years
- ✅ Termination conditions — rights of both parties
- ✅ Replacement obligations — employment office responsibilities if worker cannot fulfil contract
⚖️ Why is it Legally Required?
📋 Under Bahrain's domestic labour law, when hiring through an employment office, the Tripartite Contract is mandatory and must be submitted as part of the LMRA work permit application. LMRA will not process the permit without it.
🔄 How to Get the Tripartite Contract
Only contracts from LMRA-approved employment offices are accepted. View the official list of approved offices.
Both employer and worker agree on salary, working hours, rest days, and other conditions.
The employer, domestic worker, and employment office representative all sign the contract.
Include the original signed contract with your LMRA work permit application.
📥 Download the Tripartite Contract Form
The official LMRA Tripartite Domestic Contract form can be downloaded directly from LMRA:
👉 Download Tripartite Domestic Contract PDF (647 KB)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tripartite Contract required if I hire directly without an office?
No — if you hire directly without a licensed employment office, you use the Employer Undertaking Form instead. The Tripartite Contract is only required when hiring through a licensed employment office.
What language is the Tripartite Contract in?
The LMRA provides the contract in Arabic and English. Both versions are legally valid.
What protection does the Tripartite Contract give the employer?
If the domestic worker fails to fulfil their contractual obligations, the employment office is responsible for providing a replacement or refunding the recruitment fees, as stipulated in the contract.
Can I modify the terms of the Tripartite Contract?
Modifications must be agreed upon by all three parties and should be documented in writing. Changes to core terms like salary require LMRA notification.
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📌 Source: LMRA Bahrain Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify the latest requirements at lmra.gov.bh.