A proposal currently being debated in parliament suggests that employers in Bahrain should not award expatriate employees contracts longer than two years and that expatriates should also train their replacements before leaving. The aim of this proposal is to tackle unemployment among locals and give Bahrainis a competitive advantage in the job market. However, the government has expressed strong opposition, arguing that such measures could leave positions vacant with no suitable candidates.
One of the key points of the proposal is that employers should only hire expatriates who hold a master’s degree and have at least 10 years of experience. While MPs believe these measures will help build up local expertise, the government has raised concerns about limiting hiring flexibility and leaving key roles unfilled. The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee remains optimistic about the proposal, stating that it is about putting Bahrainis at the heart of public work.
In response to the proposal, the government has suggested prioritizing skill and contract standards in hiring decisions, rather than imposing strict qualifications. The government memo also emphasized the need for flexibility in hiring decisions to meet the specific needs of departments and adapt to a fast-changing job market. The debate around the proposal raises questions about how to balance the goal of boosting local hiring with ensuring the right skills for essential roles.
The draft proposal, referred to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee by Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, is still being debated with recommendations for minor wording adjustments. While the committee is pushing for the proposal to move forward, the government remains cautious, viewing it as potentially too restrictive. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing the hiring needs of businesses with the goal of promoting local employment and expertise.
