A CAP on the number of work permits issued to expatriates in each profession could be introduced in a bid to open up more opportunities for Bahrainis.
MPs yesterday unanimously approved proposed amendments to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law, presented by five MPs led by Mariam Al Sayegh.
The amendments, which will be now drafted into proper legislation by the government, would encourage the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to chart out a list determining the maximum number of work visas allowed for foreigners in each profession.
Currently, the government has set no limits and visas are left to the needs and assessment of employers and market forces.
The MPs said that the amendment seeks to limit the number of irregular expatriate workers and reduce remittances.
Companies would have to focus on employing only skilled and academically qualified expatriates, they said, adding that the proposal would boost job opportunities for citizens.
The LMRA, however, called for a rethink and stressed the need for more flexibility in employment taking into account differing demands.
“The proposal doesn’t consider the impact of unforeseen global developments, or market needs that could lead to a reduction or increase in the number of employees at companies,” the authority said in writing.
It told MPs that latest figures showed that139,804 new work permits had been issued for expats to October 2023 and 280,656 had been renewed.
The authority also asserted that efforts were underway to create more quality jobs for citizens and align education curricula to the needs of the market.
“This legislation looks into reducing dependence on expatriates in certain professions and opening up vacancies for Bahrainis,” said Ms Al Sayegh during the weekly session at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya yesterday.
“The current 2006 law is not far away from the amendment as it already gives the right to the LMRA to determine caps for expat work if found necessary, but we seek to make it compulsory,” she added.
“Bahrainisation levels have to go up and unemployment rates need to drop and we believe that can be achieved with clear control on the number of expat work permits issued through known and set caps on recruitment.”
MP Hamad Al Doy said major companies in Bahrain claim to have 80 per cent Bahrainisation and he questioned, if that was the case, why were there still thousands of Bahrainis jobless.
“If there are 80pc Bahrainisation levels, then what are those Bahrainis sitting at home - leprechauns?” he asked. “We only see expats, more expats and more expats employed in top posts and basically every main specialisation.”
Mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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