Parliament in Bahrain is currently considering a proposal that would give preference to Bahrainis over expatriates for teaching and management positions in private education. The proposal, which aims to amend the 1998 Private Education Law, has already received criticism from the government, which argues that existing measures already prioritize Bahrainis in the private sector. Despite the debate surrounding the proposal, some stakeholders argue that the law is still necessary to address challenges in the private education sector.
The proposal seeks amendments to Articles 11 and 12 of the 1998 Private Education Law, which currently do not mandate hiring requirements that prioritize Bahrainis. The proposal, which was filed with the Services Committee in May of last year, calls for the employment of Bahrainis who meet the necessary qualifications and experience for teaching and management positions in private schools. This move is aimed at increasing job opportunities for Bahrainis in the private education sector.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has highlighted existing policies that incentivize the hiring of Bahrainis in the private sector, including quotas for local hiring, expat worker fees, and job vacancy advertisements that give locals a first opportunity to apply. Tamkeen, which is known for its support of initiatives that benefit Bahrainis, also offers wage subsidies and training programs to encourage Bahrainis to work in the private sector. Despite these existing measures, some stakeholders still believe that the proposed law is necessary to further promote Bahraini employment in the private education sector.
The Ministry of Education has backed the government’s position, stating that Bahraini candidates are already prioritized in private schools. However, some private institutions, such as Al Rawabi Private School, have expressed support for the proposed law. The school praised Bahraini teachers for their capability and creativity but noted challenges such as long approval processes and gaps in practical experience among graduates. They suggested faster hiring procedures, better alignment of university courses with private sector needs, improved pay packages, and government-backed benefits for private sector workers to attract more Bahrainis into the sector.
The Services Committee has endorsed the draft proposal, emphasizing the need for private institutions to take greater responsibility in addressing Bahrain’s unemployment challenges. By prioritizing Bahrainis for teaching and management positions in private education, the proposal aims to provide more job opportunities for Bahrainis in the private sector. While the debate on the proposal continues, stakeholders are hopeful that the proposed law will help address challenges in the private education sector and promote Bahraini employment in the industry.
