Myrna toledo

Hi myrna,

What your sponsor says is correct. Even if he gives you a release letter, you are technically under his sponsorship until you get a new job and transfer your visa. God forbid, if there is any issue, he will be held responsible. That is probably why he is being cautious with you. It does not matter how you joined worked. What is important is the present legal position, which is that he is your sponsor.

What you could do is to give him an undertaking that neither you, the Bahrain authorities nor the Embassy of your country will have any claims against him once he gives you the release letter. Please discuss this with your sponsor and your Embassy before finalizing.

Alternatively, you could continue to work for the current sponsor, but look around for jobs. When you find something suitable, you could ask the sponsor to give you the release letter. This arrangement should also be discussed and agreed with your sponsor and your Embassy before hand.