The government of Bahrain is opposing a draft law that would restrict the hiring of foreigners in public sector jobs. The bill requires foreign applicants to have a master’s degree and at least ten years of experience in the relevant field, with contracts limited to two years and renewable only with approval from a committee formed by the Civil Service Bureau. The government argues that the bill conflicts with the Civil Service Law and believes that qualification requirements should be left to individual government agencies to determine based on actual needs and circumstances.
The bill, which seeks to amend Article 11 of the Civil Service Law, aims to prioritize Bahraini citizens in public sector jobs and promote the development of local talent. However, the government is urging the House of Representatives to reconsider the bill, stating that setting specific qualification requirements should be a matter of internal regulation. The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has recommended approval of the bill, but the government’s opposition suggests a potential showdown between the legislative and executive branches regarding the hiring of foreigners in the public sector.
The proposed amendment to the Civil Service Law mandates that non-Bahraini contract employees must have a master’s degree or equivalent in their specialisation, along with ten years of relevant experience. Contracts would be limited to two years, renewable for a similar period subject to approval from the Civil Service Bureau committee. The bill also includes a commitment to training Bahraini employees within the public sector, further emphasizing the government’s focus on promoting local talent and limiting the hiring of foreigners.
The government contends that allowing individual government agencies to determine qualification requirements based on actual needs and circumstances is essential for effective governance. By leaving these decisions to the relevant authorities, the government believes that government bodies can better fulfill their responsibilities. It argues that the bill’s specific requirements and conditions restrict the flexibility needed to adapt to changing needs within different sectors of the public sector, potentially hindering overall efficiency and productivity.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the bill in an upcoming session, with approval and subsequent referral to the Shura Council expected. If the bill is passed despite the government’s opposition, it could lead to a potential conflict between the legislative and executive branches regarding the hiring of foreigners in public sector jobs. Both sides will need to find a balance between promoting local talent and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of public sector employment in Bahrain.
