Parliament has unanimously approved an urgent proposal to prevent the employment of non-Bahrainis in private sector professions for which there are more than 30 unemployed but qualified Bahraini nationals available.
The motion, presented by five MPs during the chamber’s weekly session, has been forwarded to the Cabinet.
Spearheading the proposal, newly-elected services committee vice-chairman Abdulwahid Qarata described it as a vital step towards realising Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which underscores the importance of sustainable employment for citizens.
“When we have dozens of qualified Bahrainis unemployed in a specific profession, there is absolutely no justification for bringing in non-nationals to fill these positions,” he said.
“We are wasting local talent, marginalising our youth and transferring income outside the country unnecessarily.”
He added that the current employment landscape must shift in favour of Bahrainis, especially in sectors where local expertise is readily available.
The proposal sets out a framework to monitor specific professions in which the number of unemployed Bahrainis exceeds 30, urging the Labour Ministry and relevant agencies to enforce a freeze on hiring non-Bahrainis until all viable local applicants are considered.
“Employing citizens is a national priority stipulated in the Constitution and emphasised by Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030,” said a note accompanying the proposal.
“Among the unemployed, there are many qualified Bahrainis capable of filling existing vacancies. Appointing non-Bahrainis in their place leads to a loss of national potential and increases dependency on foreign labour.”
Supporters of the motion emphasised that reducing unemployment among Bahrainis will lead to enhanced social stability, reduced poverty rates and increased national productivity.
“We must protect the dignity and future of our youth. Prioritising locals in employment strengthens their bond with the nation and their role in building its economy,” said re-elected Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom.
“The motion also aims to address long-term economic concerns, such as the outflow of currency due to remittances by foreign workers.”
“By ensuring that more income is retained within the local economy, we argue that this step will contribute to sustainable growth and improved living standards for Bahraini families.”
The proposal calls for the Labour Ministry to collaborate with relevant authorities to create a transparent mechanism for tracking professions with high numbers of unemployed Bahrainis.
This would ensure that companies remain compliant and that local applicants are given the opportunity to contribute.
Re-elected Parliament legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Mahmood Fardan, another co-signatory to the proposal, said the motion’s unanimous approval sends a strong message about the chamber’s growing focus on employment equity and national workforce development.
“As Bahrain continues to navigate post-pandemic economic challenges, MPs believe that empowering locals to access quality job opportunities is not only strategic but imperative.”
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