In a recent announcement, Minister of Parliamentary and Shura Council Affairs, Ghanim Al-Buainain, revealed that there has been a significant decrease in the number of foreign employees in Bahrain’s public sector. The latest figures show a 17% reduction compared to previous periods, with the current number of foreign employees standing at 5,800 as of October 2024. This reduction comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to nationalize the workforce and provide more job opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
During a session with the Council of Representatives, Minister Al-Buainain also discussed the qualifications required for foreign employees in government positions. He rejected the idea of mandating a Master’s degree for all non-Bahraini government workers, stating that in most cases, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for the majority of positions. He emphasized that the qualifications demanded by the government are already aligned with job needs, making a blanket requirement for higher degrees impractical.
According to Minister Al-Buainain, there are currently 28 government positions that do not require a Master’s degree. Despite these vacancies, no Bahraini applicants have stepped forward to fill these roles, highlighting potential challenges in attracting local talent to these positions. This discussion is part of ongoing parliamentary deliberations on the role of foreign workers in Bahrain’s public sector and the government’s efforts to strike a balance between employing foreign workers and creating opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
The issue of nationalizing the workforce in Bahrain remains a key topic of debate among lawmakers and government officials. While efforts to reduce the number of foreign employees in the public sector are ongoing, there are challenges in attracting Bahraini talent to certain government positions. Minister Al-Buainain’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that qualifications required for government jobs are in line with job needs, while also acknowledging the need for a balance between foreign and local workers.
As Bahrain continues to navigate the complexities of workforce nationalization, discussions around the qualifications and availability of positions for Bahraini citizens are likely to remain at the forefront of parliamentary debates. The government’s efforts to address these challenges and provide opportunities for Bahrainis in the public sector will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future workforce landscape. By engaging in these discussions and initiatives, Bahrain aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce that benefits both foreign workers and local citizens alike.
