An urgent proposal to ban expatriates in Bahrain from switching jobs has been unanimously approved by Parliament.
MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, who spearheaded the move along with four other MPs, said the aim was to prioritise employment opportunities for Bahrainis.
Currently, expats are permitted to change jobs after working 12 months for an employer.
The proposal will now be reviewed by the Cabinet.
“This is a matter of national importance,” said Mr Al Saleh, during the chamber’s weekly session yesterday.
“We need to ensure that Bahrainis have priority when it comes to job opportunities, especially in sectors where they are qualified and capable.”
He pointed out that some expats took advantage of the current rules and changed jobs, often filling roles that Bahrainis could occupy.
All MPs present expressed their support to the proposal, pointing out that Bahrain must remain competitive for its citizens while ensuring that the contributions of expatriates are recognised and regulated.
Expatriates make up a significant portion of Bahrain’s workforce, particularly in private sector industries.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has yet to comment on the potential impact of the proposed changes.
MPs were earlier urged to reconsider a plan to force expats to wait for three years, instead of one, before switching jobs.
In January this year, Parliament approved a proposed amendment to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Authority Set-up Law despite government objections that it would breach international labour laws and rights.
The Cabinet was forced to draft it as a proper law, but it also gave reasons why the changes shouldn’t be enforced.
“Switching jobs is not a major problem in the country with only one per cent of the total expatriate workforce being affected,” said the Cabinet.
“The option of switching jobs benefits both the employee and the employer,” it added.
“Any employee unhappy at a workplace will not do tasks assigned to him because he doesn’t want to be there anymore, and it is in the best interest of the employer to let such an employee go, to ensure work is not affected.
“In the end, an employee is not a slave or a prisoner and the Constitution prohibits forcing anyone to work against their will.”
Previously, expatriate workers were allowed to freely transfer to a new job, even after a day, but former MPs and Shura Council members insisted on a condition of a minimum of one year’s wait, to protect the original employers.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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