Over the years, Bahrain has, despite making all efforts, not managed to find a solution to the issue of Bahrainisation.
I feel this is something that needs a strong push and guidance from the wise government because this has become a concern for citizens since there are just not enough jobs and new projects in comparison to the large numbers of graduates from colleges and universities within and outside the country.
There is no doubt there are several categories of jobs but to take an example there are virtually no Bahrainis working as security men at commercial institutes, banks, companies, institutions, universities, hospitals, to name a few.
I am not sure where the problem is but these jobs are ideally suited for Bahrainis because of their loyalty and concern for their country, in addition to the language and ability to communicate with locals. I am sure that the main reason may be the modest salary that is not appealing.
If this is, indeed, the problem, we should rapidly look for solutions instead of only talking about the problem. This is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg and there are many other jobs that need to be analysed and studied in a scientific and serious manner for appropriate solutions to be found.
The company where I worked made a sound administrative decision and directed the company supplying security guards to send only Bahrainis and said they would work solely at the complex rather than being rotated as is normally the case.
Also, due to the low salaries of these men, the administration gave them an additional amount out of its conviction that a Bahraini would be the best ambassador and honourable front for the institution.
Indeed, these Bahrainis have proven their superiority and affiliation and have excelled in their work for the institution over the years.
If we need an honest and serious national stand, we need a moral commitment by all institutions to follow this example. Also, the Labour Ministry should set conditions and controls for hiring foreign workers in many jobs that I consider very possible for Bahrainis.
It is true that a very large percentage of foreigners can be easily dispensed with and replaced with Bahrainis. Job opportunities have become limited and we need to open the way for Bahrainis who are the first to do these jobs and represent us better.
I am sure we have the appropriate solutions to resolve this but we lack persistence and courage in making decisions.
But will hiring Bahrainis be enough to solve the problem? The answer, of course, is no. An ambitious plan must also be drawn up to train and employ Bahrainis and they should be appreciated, given confidence and treated with respect.
The results will inevitably be positive for the institution and we will have achieved the desired goal.
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