Academic qualifications of foreign workers should be closely scrutinised before work permits are issued, MPs have said, amidst growing concerns over forged certificates and their impact on Bahrain’s labour market.
Parliament’s services committee unanimously recommended approval of a revised proposal urging stronger co-ordination between the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and official bodies responsible for equating academic qualifications, to ensure all professional credentials are thoroughly verified prior to granting work permits to expatriates.
The proposal was submitted by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, who said the measure was necessary to protect citizens and employers.
“Allowing individuals with forged or unverified qualifications to practise sensitive professions poses serious risks to public safety and service quality,” Mr Al Mahfoodh said.
“This proposal seeks to close existing gaps and ensure that only properly qualified professionals are allowed to work in the kingdom.”
The services committee noted that expatriates make up a significant portion of the workforce in both the public and private sectors, making robust verification mechanisms essential.
It consulted several stakeholders, including the LMRA, Bahrain Chamber, General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, and the Free Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions.
The LMRA stated that the objectives of the proposal were already partially achieved for licensed professions, where work permits are issued only after the relevant authority confirms professional qualifications.
However, Mr Al Mahfoodh stressed that a broader, more systematic approach was still required.
“Current procedures do not cover all professions equally,” he said. “Enhanced co-ordination will strengthen confidence in the labour market and protect employers from costly mistakes.”
While the Chamber expressed reservations, citing the existence of specialised bodies that already evaluate qualifications, both labour unions strongly supported the proposal. They said stricter checks would deter certificate fraud, safeguard employers and help create fairer competition for Bahraini jobseekers.
The services committee agreed, concluding that the public interest considerations were compelling and justified parliamentary endorsement.
The proposal is expected to be presented in Parliament for discussion on Tuesday.
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