MORE than two-thirds of family education teachers in government schools are expatriates, it has been revealed.
A total of 183 teachers in the discipline are expats while 83 are Bahrainis, Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said, in a response to a question by public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Demistani.
He added that 54 expat teachers have seen their contracts terminated since 2015.
“We have not hired expats for the job since 2015 and are working to Bahrainise the discipline in consultation with the Civil Service Commission,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“Bahrain Teachers College had its budget increased by 94 per cent this year and the next and this is helping us get more qualified Bahraini graduates in the field.
“We don’t have access to the jobs bank in such specialisations and if there are potential candidates, the commission will notify us immediately.
“We have plans to Bahrainise the discipline. Expats under our books will be gradually replaced depending on the availability of local talent.”
Meanwhile, Dr Al Nuaimi said, in another written response to a question, that teachers were being granted overtime for a maximum of 30 hours a month.
“The extra pay will depend on their rank and wages,” he added.
“However, many teachers saw their extra pay suspended temporarily during the pandemic as classes were held online and no overtime work was required.
“New criteria for overtime has been introduced. A list has been sent to the commission so that administrative and financial action could go ahead for payments to be handed out once again.
“This will come along with pay rises for outstanding teachers.”
The minister will appear during Tuesday’s Parliament session to respond to further queries from MPs.
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