THE decision to relocate thousands of migrant workers to designated shelters was for their own safety – and not aimed at deporting them, a top official has assured, writes the GDN's Sandeep Singh Grewal.

The move is part of the government’s contingency plans to reduce overcrowding in labour camps and contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), said Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.

Speaking to the GDN in an exclusive interview, he said the first batch of migrant workers had already been housed in Adhari Park, and plans are underway to move more low-income workers out of Manama in the coming week.

The GDN yesterday quoted Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa as saying that the first phase of relocating migrant workers out of overcrowded labour accommodations would be completed before Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Friday.

“We have identified Blocks 300 to 325 as being densely populated areas in Manama where there is a high concentration of migrant workers,” said Shaikh Hisham.

“I want to put out the good word that we are only relocating them for their own safety to these dedicated shelters where they will be provided with food and other facilities.”

He stressed that these workers are not being confined and are free to move around as they wish.

He said when approached and asked to move out of their present residences in Manama, there was a sense of fear among migrant workers that they would be deported.

“We are not going to jail anyone and no one can leave the country right now due to the flight restrictions.

“In fact, we welcome everyone without any exceptions, penalties and irrespective of their legal status.

“Our aim is to ensure these workers who contribute hugely to our national economy are safe and in a place where social distancing is possible.”

Health officials have pointed out that gatherings of migrant workers unmindful of social distancing have led to a surge in Covid-19 cases.

As part of the contingency plans, the government has also proposed using public schools as shelters to house low-income workers.

Shaikh Hisham said the blocks would be covered in phases, the plan being to seek out workers staying in ramshackle houses in the Capital Governorate.

“People opt for cheap living, ignoring health and safety aspects; we want to reduce overcrowding in these buildings.”

Shaikh Hisham said all efforts were being made to “flatten the curve” and combat Covid-19 that has affected more than 900 migrant workers, who continue to receive free treatment.

He added that the food drive among migrant workers will continue during Ramadan too.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Embassy’s Labour Counsellor Shaikh Islam praised the move to relocate low-income workers to shelters.

“We have not received anything official from the authorities on these measures, but we definitely praise their efforts to take all precautionary measures to protect migrant workers during this period,” said the diplomat.

Bangladeshis account for the second largest expatriate community in Bahrain, after Indians.