Two urgent proposals aimed at accelerating employment for Bahrainis – by replacing expatriate workers in some professions and prioritising volunteers – were unanimously approved by MPs.
MPs said the moves were designed to deliver fast, practical solutions to labour market pressures under current regional and economic conditions.
The first proposal calls for launching an exceptional, temporary support programme to help establishments replace foreign workers with qualified Bahrainis in professions where labour costs are high and roles can be localised.
The MPs, however, did not specify the professions or roles that would be identified.
The plan urges the Labour and Legal Affairs Ministry, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), and Tamkeen to jointly design a targeted package that covers the cost difference for employers during the transition period.
MP Dr Muneer Suroor said the support would only be granted when a foreign worker is actually replaced by a citizen.
“This is not a traditional employment subsidy,” he said. “Support is linked to a clear outcome - a Bahraini replacing an expatriate in a job that can be nationalised immediately.”
He explained that the proposal creates a new model of assistance that reduces operational burdens on businesses while creating direct job opportunities for citizens.
“Institutions today need solutions that cut costs and ensure continuity. At the same time, we must open real doors for Bahrainis. This proposal achieves both goals at once.”
Dr Suroor added that making the programme exceptional and time-bound would allow for rapid implementation without long-term financial commitments.
“The current circumstances require unconventional, fast solutions. We have existing jobs held by foreign workers that Bahrainis can fill now, especially with Tamkeen’s capacity to support training and wage differences.”
The second urgent proposal focuses on jobseekers who registered on the national volunteer platform during recent crises and calls for the government and private sector to prioritise them for employment and grant them certified experience recognition.
It was spearheaded by MP Mohamed Al Olaiwi, who said thousands of Bahrainis had proven their efficiency under pressure while volunteering.
“These citizens worked on the frontlines without pay, serving the nation during exceptional circumstances,” he said. “It is time to transform this volunteer energy into permanent employment opportunities.”
The proposal suggests using data from the national volunteer platform to identify jobseekers who actively participated, evaluate their performance, and provide them with targeted training to prepare them for permanent roles.
Priority employment would be given in sectors where they volunteered, including health, logistics and government administration.
“We are not starting from zero,” Mr Al Olaiwi said. “These volunteers have already demonstrated commitment, discipline and practical skills in crisis management. This is a readymade national workforce.”
He added that granting official certificates of appreciation and documented experience equivalent to work history would strengthen their chances in the job market.
“This is about recognition, loyalty, and smart investment in human capital. Volunteering should not end when the crisis ends - it should become a pathway to employment.”
Both proposals were approved under urgent procedures and forwarded to the Cabinet to study implementation mechanisms.
MPs said in their accompanying memos the initiatives represent practical steps to reduce unemployment, support businesses, and ensure that Bahrainis who stepped forward during challenging times are given priority in the labour market.
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