Where to get Prior Permission Granted Letter to come back to Bahrain?

Hi all,

my name is Reinhard, German national, and I am living in Bahrain for almost 7 years now. When I came to Bahrain I had a work visa, of course, but the project ended after two years and I've been staying in Bahrain on tourist visa since then - except for the time I was working in Germany.
Before Bahrain borders were closed because of COVID19 I went to Germany for work purposes. Now my project has ended but I still cannot return to my home as visa on arrival procedures are still suspended. I know from the evisa webpage that there are pre-approved visas available (Prior Permission Granted Letter) but I do not know from where I can get them. I already contacted the Bahrain embassy in Germany but they could not help me either and suggested to contact the MoI.

Now my questions:
1. I am still paying the rent for my apartment in Juffair where my girlfriend and my cats live. Is that a valid reason to get this pre-approved visa?
2. What department or what authority can I contact to apply for this Prior Permission Granted Letter? An email address or phone number would be much appreciated.
3. Is there another way to enter Bahrain these days, like e.g. a business visa? What would be the requirements for that?

Many thanks in advance and best regards


Reinhard