Bahrain is making significant strides in prioritizing its national workforce within the public sector. Recent data reveals a substantial decrease in the number of Bahrainisation initiatives yielding positive results, with a marked reduction in foreign workers employed by the government. This shift highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering its citizens and fostering economic diversity. The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) reports a 29% decline in non-Bahraini civil servants since 2019, a trend driven by increased qualifications and opportunities for Bahraini nationals.
Increasing Bahrainisation in the Public Sector
The CSB’s data, provided in a written response to Member of Parliament Dr. Hisham Al Asheeri, illustrates a clear and deliberate move towards a more localized civil service. The total number of non-Bahraini employees in government positions has fallen from 7,582 in 2019 to 5,361 currently. This reduction isn’t a blanket removal of expertise; rather, a targeted approach focused on replacing foreign workers with qualified Bahrainis as they become available.
This isn’t simply about numbers, but about building a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future. The focus on national workforce development is a cornerstone of Bahrain’s Vision 2030, aiming to create a flourishing economy driven by its own citizens.
Strategic Areas Still Relying on Expatriate Talent
While the overall trend shows a significant increase in Bahraini representation, certain specialized fields still require the expertise of foreign professionals. The CSB emphasizes that non-Bahrainis are appointed on a temporary basis only when suitable Bahraini candidates cannot be found.
These fields primarily include:
- Healthcare: Consultant medical roles and specialized hospital positions.
- Education: Especially within higher education academia.
- Technical Specialties: Genomics, prosthetics, aviation security and safety, hydrogeology, geophysics, marine and aerial surveying, groundwater management, plant protection, and complex infrastructure projects like bridge construction.
The continued, albeit limited, presence of expatriates in these areas ensures the maintenance of high-quality service delivery while Bahrain invests in building local capabilities. These specialized roles often require years of dedicated training and experience, necessitating a pragmatic approach to staffing.
Recent Hiring Trends Favoring Bahrainis
The period from January 2023 to the present showcases the success of these Bahrainisation efforts. A total of 3,884 new employees were hired across ministries, authorities, and other government bodies. Remarkably, 95% of these new hires were Bahraini nationals.
This commitment to hiring Bahrainis is even more pronounced in critical sectors. Within the medical, health, education, and higher education fields, 93% of the 2,850 new appointments were filled by Bahraini citizens. This demonstrates a proactive strategy to integrate qualified nationals into areas vital for the nation’s progress. The improvement in human capital is therefore key to this success.
Rigorous and Transparent Recruitment Processes
The CSB assures a structured and transparent process governs all appointments. Non-Bahrainis are only considered at the explicit request of the employing entity, and only if a vacant position is approved within existing staffing limits and budgetary constraints.
Furthermore, all appointments adhere to pre-defined job descriptions and standardized interview procedures. Government bodies are mandated to report vacancies to the CSB, who then determine whether the positions should be publicly advertised. Currently, six local vacancies are being advertised.
Supporting Internal Mobility and Growth
Recognizing the importance of employee development, the Bahraini government has introduced internal recruitment channels. The online platform, Shawaghir, allows current civil servants to apply for different roles or seek promotions within the public sector.
This initiative provides Bahraini employees with opportunities to upskill, take on new challenges, and contribute to the nation’s growth in a broader capacity. Encouraging internal mobility fosters a sense of loyalty and provides a clear pathway for career advancement, further incentivizing Bahrainis to pursue Public Sector employment. This internal system also proves beneficial for retaining talent and utilizing existing skill development programs.
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Bahrainisation
The significant reduction in foreign workers within Bahrain’s civil service demonstrates a clear commitment to national workforce development. By prioritizing the employment of qualified Bahraini citizens, the government is strengthening its economy, building a robust public sector, and investing in the future of the Kingdom. The data confirms that Bahrainisation is not merely a policy goal but is actively being implemented with measurable success.
The focus will remain on identifying areas where localized expertise can be further developed, while maintaining necessary specialized skills through targeted, temporary foreign employment. Continued investment in education and training programs will be crucial to ensuring a steady stream of qualified Bahraini professionals, ultimately solidifying the Kingdom’s progress towards a self-sufficient and thriving public sector. Readers interested in exploring career opportunities within the Bahraini government are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Bureau website and utilize the Shawaghir platform.