MPs are set to debate a proposal for a comprehensive employment strategy to replace foreign workers with Bahrainis.
However, Civil Service Commission president Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa pointed out that the hiring process in government entities is already structured to prioritise Bahrainis.
“Employment within government institutions follows the 2010 Civil Service Law and its executive regulations,” he said.
“Government agencies must notify the commission of vacant positions, which are first offered to qualified Bahraini candidates before considering foreign applicants.
“Hiring foreign workers is only permitted when no qualified Bahraini candidates are available.
“Contracts with non-Bahraini employees include a mandatory requirement to train and transfer knowledge to Bahraini workers.”
Shaikh Daij added that the commission regularly monitors workforce development plans to track training and nationalisation efforts.
Shaikh Daij
Legal Affairs Minister and acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf supported the proposal’s objectives and highlighted several ongoing initiatives.
“The 2023-2026 Government Action Plan focuses on job creation for nationals,” he said.
“The 2021-2024 Economic Recovery Plan was directed to employ 20,000 Bahrainis annually and train 10,000 jobseekers per year.
“The 2023-2026 National Labour Market Plan ensures Bahrainis remain the preferred choice for employment.”
Mr Khalaf
Mr Khalaf added that the Labour Ministry collaborates with private sector businesses to bridge skills gaps and align education with labour market needs.
Mr Khalaf, who is also Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) acting board chairman, also stressed that economic growth and foreign investments were crucial to creating sustainable job opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
LMRA chief executive Nibras Talib said that the proposal’s objectives were already being implemented under the 2023-2026 National Labour Market Plan.
“The government is working to ensure a competitive advantage for Bahraini workers,” he said.
Mr Talib
“Authorities are focusing on developing Bahraini skills to meet labour market demands.
“Key goals include creating high-quality job opportunities, aligning education with job market needs, strengthening private sector partnerships to attract investment and enhancing labour market regulations to ensure fair competition and prevent exploitation.”
Tamkeen (Labour Fund) chief executive Maha Mofeez said it already supports the initiative through various workforce development programmes.
Ms Mofeez
“Tamkeen’s mission is to empower Bahraini workers by increasing their competitiveness in the job market,” she said.
“Tamkeen’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan focuses on workforce inclusion and job quality enhancement and supporting Bahraini jobseekers through specialised training and employment programmes.
“The National Employment Programme provides salary subsidies of 30 per cent to 70pc for Bahraini hires, encouraging private sector employment.”
She added that last year alone, Tamkeen helped secure jobs for 5,475 Bahrainis and provided training for 4,881 workers.
Parliament second deputy speaker Ahmed Qarata, who is spearheading the proposal, stressed the urgency of implementing a structured and sustainable employment strategy.
Mr Qarata
“Bahrainis must be the first choice for employment in their own country,” he stated.
“The government has taken positive steps, but we need a clear national strategy to accelerate the process of replacing expat workers with Bahraini citizens, particularly in critical sectors.”
Services committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Olaiwi, who co-sponsored the proposal, highlighted the long-term economic benefits of prioritising local talent.
“Investing in our national workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen Bahrain’s economy and ensure long-term stability,” he explained.
Mr Al Olaiwi
Mr Khalaf will be present in Parliament during its weekly session on Tuesday to answer a question by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh on the number of Bahraini jobseekers registered with the ministry from December 2022 till date.
“A total of 16,978 Bahraini jobseekers were registered with the ministry in 2023 including 269 with disabilities,” said the minister in his written response.
“This compares to 14,032 jobseekers in 2022 out of which 255 have disabilities.
“The majority of the jobseekers were females and university graduates.”
The minister said 29,533 Bahrainis were found jobs in 2023 compared to 29,995 in 2022.
Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi will also be present to answer questions directed by Parliament’s legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Ali Al Dossary, Mamdooh Al Saleh and Hamad Al Doy on youth empowerment programmes and centres.
Ms Tawfiqi
“We had 250 participants from youth centres benefiting from our programmes and initiatives,” said the minister.
“Also, 77 were authorised to collect donations (financial support) for their activities and programmes,” she added.
Meanwhile, a proposal to merge the Labour Ministry and the Civil Service Commission under one government body has been presented by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk and Zainab Abdulamir to directly deal with jobseekers and employees in both the government and private sectors.
Both the government bodies have refrained from making any comment.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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