A legislative amendment that would require private companies contracted by the government for various projects to employ at least 50 per cent Bahraini nationals is set for debate during Parliament session on Tuesday.
The proposed amendment, submitted by MPs Muneer Suroor, Mohammed Al Ahmed and Lulwa Al Romaihi, seeks to add a new clause to Article Four of the 2002 Privatisation Policies Law.
The aim, according to the legislators, is to address unemployment and strengthen national workforce participation.
The new clause would state that a “minimum Bahrainisation rate of 50pc must be imposed on any entity contracted by the government under a privatisation agreement.”
Mr Suroor said the initiative aims to ensure jobs for Bahrainis in projects transferred to the private sector through government contracts.
“We are not against privatisation, but it must be aligned with national employment goals,” he said.
“If the government is entrusting services to private hands, it must also ensure that Bahraini talent is not sidelined. A 50pc Bahrainisation quota is both realistic and essential,” he added.
The proposal received backing from Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee, which recommended the amendment be adopted.
Committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom described the move as ‘a step in the right direction’.
“Our committee believes that the state has an obligation to safeguard its workforce, especially when public money and services are involved,” Mr Al Salloom said. “The 50pc quota creates a healthy balance – it allows the private sector flexibility, but ensures that Bahrainis are not left behind,” he added.
Mr Al Salloom also noted that privatised entities often rely on infrastructure, resources, and regulatory privileges provided by the state, making it reasonable to require them to contribute to national employment goals.
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