Bahrain's parliament has voted in favour of banning expats from certain jobs.
However, MPs stopped short of listing professions that should be reserved only for Bahrainis – saying that was for the government to decide.
The amendment was approved by MPs yesterday despite opposition from the government and will now be debated in the Shura Council.
Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan had warned parliament that such decisions could deter foreign investment and damage the economy.
He added steps were already being taken to support Bahraini jobseekers in the private sector.
“Encouraging foreign investment in Bahrain isn’t the enemy of hiring Bahrainis,” he told MPs.
“We need to work together to achieve this goal instead of turning on each other.”
However, MPs ignored his comments and insisted the law must be changed to ensure Bahraini jobseekers receive preference over foreigners in certain professions.
“What kind of superpowers are held by expatriates that entitle them to hold positions in HR, as opposed to Bahrainis?” asked MP Ghazi Al Rahma, who was behind the amendment.
“If you go to supermarkets you will see that most of the people working as cashiers are Bahrainis, but their supervisors or managers are expatriates.
“Limiting certain jobs to Bahrainis is a crucial need given the situation we are currently seeing in the labour market, which is invaded by foreigners.
“The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) will have full discretion to decide which jobs are limited to Bahrainis and this has been done in other countries without impacting their economy, which is what we expect to see in Bahrain.”
(VIDEO: MP Hamad Al Kooheji addressing a controversial statement issued by a prominent Bahraini businessman about the Bahraini workforce.
He was speaking to Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan during Parliament's weekly session yesterday.)
Other MPs disputed claims that tougher recruitment policies could deter foreign investors and one, MP Hamad Al Kooheji, called on the minister to resign.
However, MP Adel Al Asoomi said Parliament needed to look past the minister to solve unemployment in Bahrain.
“We need to be more clear if we want to solve the unemployment problem or not,” he said.
“Hiring Bahrainis is the best solution to the current economic situation.
“A Bahraini will spend his income in Bahrain and refresh the economy, unlike expatriates who send their money abroad.
“We need to look past the minister and focus on the large corporations, which are still hiring expatriates.
“These large corporations and banks aren’t under the control of the minister – he has no authority over them.”
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