Dubai:India and Bahrain are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on labour welfare after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

"The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain will be formally signed during Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi's visit to Bahrain in October after the holy month of Ramadan," an official at the Indian embassy in Bahrain told IANS from Manama.

"The MoU was initialled by both sides during Bahrain Labour Minister Majeed Al Alawi's visit to India earlier this year," he added.

Speaking to reporters in Bahrain, Ravi said the accord would go a long way in protecting the right of Indian workers in Bahrain.

"The MoU will further protect the welfare of Indian workers in Bahrain," Ravi, who was in Bahrain Saturday for the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, said at a press conference.

"It will also help ensure the smooth flow of workers from India to Bahrain as per the requirements of both countries," he said.

There are around 290,000 expatriate Indians in Bahrain and many of them are engaged as contract labourers in the country's booming construction industry.

According to the minister, the new pact would also help reduce the number of exploitation cases by unscrupulous recruiting agents.

Bahrain will be the fourth country in the Gulf - home to over 4.8 million expatriate Indians - with which India will sign a labour welfare pact.

India already has similar agreements with Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).