Security guard jobs in Bahrain’s government facilities should be reserved for citizens, MPs demanded yesterday, criticising the ‘widespread outsourcing of positions’ they say could instead provide jobs for Bahrainis.
The proposal was approved unanimously by Parliament and urgently referred to the Cabinet for review.
Services committee chairman MP Dr Mohammed Al Olaiwi questioned why security personnel working in government buildings, including ministries, were being recruited through outsourcing arrangements rather than hired directly by the state.
He urged the government to make the nationalisation of security jobs a priority in its 2027-2030 Government Action Plan.
MP Mohsen Al Asbool also backed the proposal, arguing that the security industry offered employment opportunities that should be made available to Bahrainis.
“The seven security companies operating in Bahrain are well known to everyone, yet these jobs are being taken by Africans,” he claimed.
The debate became heated after public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Hisham Al Awadhi challenged first deputy speaker MP Jalila Al Sayed’s remarks that Bahrainis were willing to take up security work in large numbers.
Ms Al Sayed stressed that security guard positions were genuine employment opportunities that should not be dismissed because of the nature of the work.
“These are jobs that are needed. I am not saying a university graduate with a doctorate or an engineering degree should work as a security guard,” she said.
Supporters argued that reserving the positions for citizens could create more accessible employment opportunities, particularly for Bahrainis without specialised academic qualifications.
- Meanwhile, Bahraini employees working on temporary contracts at the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry could be offered permanent positions under another proposal unanimously approved yesterday and referred to the Cabinet.
Lead proposer MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi said the move would provide job security for citizens who had spent years serving the ministry, while allowing the government to retain experienced Bahraini talent.
The proposal calls for all Bahraini employees on temporary contracts at the ministry to be made permanent, promoting job stability, productivity and equal opportunities based on merit and entitlement.
- MPs also unanimously approved a proposal to set up a paid consultancy centre where retired professionals can share decades of experience with businesses, institutions and the wider community.
Dr Al Nuaimi, who is also spearheading the proposal, said retirement should not mean the end of a person’s professional contribution, particularly when experienced Bahrainis still have valuable knowledge to offer.
The proposed centre would allow retired citizens to provide specialist advice, deliver training courses and support businesses and individuals in different fields in return for payment.
- A proposal to install traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing near Bahrain National Museum was rejected by MPs over fears that it could trigger rear-end collisions and worsen traffic congestion.
MP Lulwa Al Romaihi, who submitted the proposal, called for improved safety for pedestrians crossing near the bend leading to Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Bridge from Al Fateh Highway. She said the location raised concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for visitors to the museum and tourists unfamiliar with the busy road.
- Meanwhile, during the session, MPs insisted on their stand that tenants who have moved out of rented properties should have a clearer legal route to stop rent from accumulating when landlords refuse to accept the keys.
The amendments to the Property Rental Law also seek to limit the automatic extension of expired rental contracts to one year, regardless of the original lease period.
MPs believe the proposal would rebalance the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
They have referred it back to the Shura Council for review.
- Debate on two legislations to amend the 2002 Criminal Procedures Law and the 2015 Private Medical Establishments Law was postponed following a government request.
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