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MPs are set to reject the Shura Council’s decision to block a parliamentary proposal imposing tighter controls on hiring expatriates in the public sector – insisting that the reform is essential to protect job opportunities for citizens.
The proposed amendment to Article 11 of the Civil Service Law would require ministries and government agencies to demonstrate that no qualified Bahraini candidate is available before hiring a foreign employee.
Additionally, expatriate hires would need to hold at least a master’s degree, have 10 years of experience, and agree to train Bahraini staff as a contractual obligation.
Parliament legislative and legal affairs committee chairman MP Mahmood Fardan said the new standards reflect the labour market’s demands, and are necessary to align civil service recruitment with national priorities.
“The Bahraini citizen must always come first. Our role is to ensure that government jobs go to qualified nationals before turning outward, and this law strengthens that principle,” he said.
He added that the committee unanimously agreed to insist on Parliament’s earlier approval, despite the Shura Council’s rejection of the draft in principle.
Under the proposed changes, contracts for non-Bahrainis would be capped at two years and renewed only once – and only after the Civil Service Commission verifies that no Bahraini applicant meets the job requirements.
“We cannot allow long-term dependency on expatriates when we have capable Bahrainis ready to serve,” Mr Fardan said.
The government, however, had urged reconsideration, arguing that rigid qualification requirements could limit ministries’ flexibility. It maintained that such detailed conditions should remain in executive regulations, not fixed in law, due to changing workforce needs.
Mr Fardan dismissed those concerns, saying the legislation does not hinder efficiency but enhances accountability.
“We are not obstructing government performance. We are ensuring fairness, transparency, and proper succession planning,” he said.
“Every expatriate hired must contribute to training Bahrainis, so the skills stay within our institutions.
“Our message is clear: the Bahraini workforce must be empowered, not sidelined.”
The amendment will be debated during Tuesday’s weekly Parliament session. If both chambers insist on their decision, then the legislation gets scheduled for a joint session.
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