This refers to the GDN news item “Labour ban ‘is not feasible‘“. Again and again the issue of ban on engaging expat labourers is raised by some forum or other. It is surprising that a matter which can never be dreamt of in the foreseeable future is taken up for discussion.
Instead of concentrating on issues like economic development, infrastructure improvement, opening more medical facilities, establishing world-standard universities, inviting foreign investments to open more small- and large-scale industries, an irrelevant matter is mooted out by people who are somehow short-sighted.
Can anyone in Bahrain imagine this country without expat labourers, even for a day? Expat labourers alone are practically fulfilling the entire labour requirement of Bahrain. Construction work, road laying, cleaning work, industries, water and electricity work, malls, cold stores, housemaids, nurses, teachers – all essential professions are filled by expat labourers.
The contribution of expat labourers in the progress of Bahrain over the last century is innumerable. Today, behind any project – be it building, road, power project, seawater plants, malls, etc – expat labourer is the backbone. That being an irrefutable fact, why at all think whether to have expat labourers or not in Bahrain?
Bahrain has been the home away from home for thousands of labourers, who even after retirement returning to their home country have been very grateful to this kingdom.
Those expat labourers who are presently living in Bahrain, have been, in general, law-abiding and keen supporters of the rulers and government of Bahrain. So, let this bond be further strengthened for the benefit of both the expat labourers and Bahrain.
Let both prosper in the future too. Let there not be any vain discussion whether to have expat labourers or ban them. Both need each other in the years to come.
Chandra Madhavan
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