The Labour Market Authority (LMRA) is a government body with a corporate identity that is endowed with full financial and administrative independence, under the authority of a board of directors duly chaired by the Minister of Labour. The LMRA is mandated with the same authorities and powers as any other government ministry, establishment and general commissions in the kingdom. His Majesty the king issued law on the 31st of May 2006 establishing the LMRA and mandated and ordained the LMRA to take over all the responsibilities, thus giving it the authority to regulate the labour market in the kingdom. The LMRA is further mandated to issue work visas, regulate and control manpower licences, recruiting agencies, employment offices and business practices of self sponsored expatriates.