Bahraini citizens could be prioritised for jobs in administrative and teaching positions within private educational and training establishments, if new legislative amendments proposed by Parliament are approved.
MPs are expected to vote on government-drafted amendments to the 1998 Private Educational and Training Establishments Law during the weekly session on Tuesday.
These amendments are based on a parliamentary proposal submitted last year aimed at increasing the employment of Bahrainis in the private education sector.
It would see principal and faculty roles reserved for Bahrainis.
However, if no suitable candidates are found and expats have to be recruited, the school will have to seek the approval from the Education Minister.
The Cabinet, in its covering memo associated with the legislation, assured MPs that it was actively collaborating with Tamkeen (Labour Fund) to boost jobs for citizens.
It highlighted the National Employment Plan (2023-2026), and said several initiatives and incentives were being introduced to prioritise Bahrainis in the job market, particularly in private educational and training institutions.
“Tamkeen plays a key role in the implementation of these efforts, focusing on upskilling Bahrainis to meet the demands of the private education sector,” the Cabinet added.
Parliament’s services committee chairwoman Jalila Al Sayed said the proposal reflected a long-standing parliamentary goal to reduce unemployment among Bahrainis and increase their representation in key sectors of the economy.
She added that MPs have repeatedly called for reforms to ensure that Bahrainis are given preference for jobs, particularly in sectors where they have the qualifications and experience.
“The proposed changes are expected to have a significant impact on the private education sector, where expatriates currently dominate many administrative and teaching roles,” she said.
“The amendments aim to reduce dependency on foreign labour while ensuring that the national workforce is adequately represented.”
Ms Al Sayed’s committee believes the move aligns with Bahrain’s broader economic and employment strategies, including the Economic Recovery Plan and Vision 2030, which emphasise empowering Bahrainis and enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said multiple policies and procedures have been placed to ensure that Bahrainis are appointed into such educational posts within private schools and institutes.
Acting Labour Minister and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf also pointed that the government was already doing prioritising citizens for educational jobs.
Al Rawabi Private School backed Parliament’s proposal, saying it was an approach already taken within its employment policies.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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