BAHRAINIS could be given priority in administrative and teaching positions in private educational and training institutions, following proposed legislative amendments that MPs approved unanimously during their weekly session yesterday.
The government-drafted amendments to the 1998 Private Educational and Training Establishments Law are based on a parliamentary proposal submitted last year, aimed at increasing the employment of Bahrainis in the private education sector.
If no suitable Bahraini candidates are found, institutions will have to seek approval from the Education Minister before hiring expatriates.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma praised the MPs’ efforts, stressing that the ministry shared the same objective.
He pointed out that the government already prioritises Bahraini employment.
“Around 500 Bahrainis are employed annually in public schools,” said Dr Juma.
“Comparatively, private schools hired around 200 Bahrainis in 2020 and a similar number in 2021. However, in 2023, this figure rose to 525, and in 2024, it increased to 660.”
The minister highlighted that these numbers indicated the success of the ministry’s efforts in encouraging private schools to hire Bahrainis.
“The goal of this proposed amendment is already being achieved, but we believe there are alternative measures to implement it rather than amending the law.”
Stressing that one of the ministry’s responsibilities was to inspect private schools and ensure compliance with regulations, the minister revealed that a recent inspection uncovered violations at a private school, leading to an investigation.
“The school had hired 45 non-Bahrainis without ministry approval, imposed fees on parents without authorisation, and failed to verify the qualifications and conduct records of some staff members.
“The school was referred for an investigation.”
He further noted that the same school had provided feedback to Parliament’s services committee on the proposed law, which raised questions among MPs.
Committee chairwoman MP Jalila Al Sayyed clarified that multiple schools were asked for input, but only this particular school responded.
Dr Juma reiterated that the ministry remained firm in prioritising Bahraini employment and did not favour any institution.
“Private school owners have the right to manage their businesses as they see fit, but we actively encourage the hiring of Bahrainis,” he stressed.
“We provide private schools with lists of qualified Bahraini candidates and co-ordinate with the Labour Ministry and Tamkeen to launch initiatives ensuring Bahrainis are the first choice for employment.”
Regarding private school fees, the minister assured that the ministry maintained strict oversight.
“No private school has the authority to raise tuition fees on its own,” he said.
Dr Juma also acknowledged concerns over student overcrowding in government schools, but assured that a comprehensive plan was in place.
“While some schools have seen increased student numbers, the government has already launched an initiative to expand educational infrastructure,” he added.
“This includes constructing 18 new schools and 23 academic buildings, with the Northern Governorate receiving the largest share.”
Addressing concerns about the alleged closure of the tourism programme at Bahrain University, Dr Juma, who is the university’s board chairman, denied the claims.
“The Bachelor of Tourism programme has not been cancelled, “ he said.
“There was a misunderstanding when some preparatory programme students were informed of their option to transfer to other programmes.”
Legal Affairs Minister and acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf revealed that a new training programme is being developed in collaboration with the Education Ministry to enhance the qualifications of Bahraini citizens for teaching positions.
“The programme will be announced soon and registration will be open to all interested candidates,” he said.
MPs also unanimously approved a government-drafted legislation to join the UN’s 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
The Foreign Ministry has asserted that Bahrain will incur no financial obligations.
Also unanimously approved was a mutual taxation agreement with Guernsey and an investment protection and encouragement agreement with Hungary.
All have been forwarded to the Shura Council for review.
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