The government has been urged to revamp the recruitment process for citizens by focusing more on skills and experience along with academic credentials.
The proposal has been put forward by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by Ahmed Al Salloom, who believes that broadening the eligibility criteria would reduce unemployment and ensure that skilled professionals are not excluded from opportunities because their qualifications do not match the set academic requirements for jobs in government and private sector.
The bloc also stressed the need to consider candidates’ proficiency in other areas of study besides the core specialisations.
“The current hiring policies overly emphasise academic degrees without sufficiently considering specialised training and work experience,” Mr Al Salloom said.
“Our goal is not to bypass qualification standards but to ensure they reflect the realities of today’s job market. We need a system that values skills, experience and innovation just as much as traditional academic credentials,” he added.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, who is politically responsible for the Civil Service Commission, outlined the existing regulatory framework governing public sector employment. He highlighted the launch of the government’s electronic recruitment system, which aims to increase transparency by allowing job seekers to track applications, receive feedback and understand hiring criteria more clearly.
“Hiring decisions must align with approved employment structures, budgetary constraints, and national workforce planning policies,” he said.
“Ministries and government agencies are required to notify the commission of job vacancies, which are then published in official channels to ensure open competition.
“Additionally, hiring authorities adhere to established assessment procedures, including exams and interviews, to ensure fair selection.
“Nevertheless, the Civil Service Commission is willing to consider adjustments in line with labour market demands.
“Past reforms, such as the introduction of professional certification requirements for certain roles, have already helped bridge gaps between formal education and industry needs.”
Acting Labour Minister and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf said rigid academic requirements sometimes limit access to talented individuals in the private sector.
“It is more about compatibility and flexibility rather than preciseness and the jobs we market are general and manageable for candidates regardless of their specifications,” he said.
“Sometimes specific training is needed following recruitment for particular tasks, but mostly we look for comprehensive candidates capable of multitasking.”
A proposal to fully Bahrainise certain professions by five MPs led by services committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi is also on the table.
The professions are: engineering, arts, human resources and administration, media, public relations, accounting, treasury, security, document clearers, tourist guiding, and protocol and hospitality.
Meanwhile, a proposal to provide Tamkeen support to companies and enterprises interested in AI, presented by Parliament’s legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman MP Ali Al Dossary and MP Muneer Suroor is also set for debate. Tamkeen’s chief executive Maha Mofeez said such support was already being provided for any establishment seeking digital transformation or investment in the field.
&uuid=(email))