A proposed 70 per cent quota for Bahraini citizens in government universities’ teaching roles is sparking debate in Parliament, as legislators aim to bolster ‘Bahrainisation’ and nurture local talent in academia. The change, if passed, would give Bahrainis a stronger voice in shaping future thinkers and academics. MP Dr Muneer Seroor, who is leading the push, believes that Bahrainis are excelling in various fields and should be given the opportunity to train the next generation of academics. He emphasizes that experience in many academic fields is shaped through teaching jobs and providing these chances would build self-assurance among national experts.
During a conversation with The Daily Tribune, MP Dr Muneer Seroor expressed his surprise that his proposal, initially submitted at the beginning of his term, is now up for discussion in Parliament. Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam referred the proposal to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee in June, with Seroor leading the initiative. The proposal aims to ensure that Bahraini graduates play key roles in academia, aligning with a vision to retain and invest in local talent. The committee, after reviewing the proposal in October, gathered input from legal adviser Dr Muhannad Al Tarawneh and the Civil Service Bureau. The bureau clarified that its hiring rules only apply to government-supported roles, with private university staff falling outside its jurisdiction.
The Civil Service Bureau also highlighted its commitment to fair and open hiring practices within government roles, ensuring positions are filled based on actual need. It operates an internal announcement system allowing current civil servants to apply for higher positions, promoting equal opportunity and helping retain national talent. Furthermore, the bureau prioritizes internal candidates before publicly advertising vacancies, ensuring the efficient use of available resources. With full support from the committee, the proposal is expected to enhance Bahraini representation in academia, strengthen the education sector, and progress the Kingdom’s vision of local empowerment.
The push for a 70 per cent quota for Bahraini citizens in government universities’ teaching roles is part of a larger effort to promote ‘Bahrainisation’ and anchor local talent in academia. MP Dr Muneer Seroor, who is leading the initiative, believes that Bahrainis excel in various fields and should have the opportunity to shape the next generation of academics. He emphasizes that experience in academia is often shaped through teaching jobs and providing these opportunities to Bahrainis will help build confidence among national experts. Seroor’s proposal, submitted at the beginning of his term, has finally been brought up for discussion in Parliament, with Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam referring it to the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee in June.
After gathering input from legal adviser Dr Muhannad Al Tarawneh and the Civil Service Bureau, the committee reviewed the proposal in October. The Bureau clarified that its hiring rules apply only to government-supported roles, with private university staff falling outside its jurisdiction. It also highlighted its commitment to fair and open hiring practices within government roles, ensuring that positions are filled based on actual need. The Bureau operates an internal announcement system for current civil servants to apply for higher positions, promoting equal opportunity and helping retain national talent. Additionally, the Bureau prioritizes internal candidates before publicly advertising vacancies, ensuring the efficient use of available resources.
The proposed quota aims to increase Bahraini representation in academia, strengthen the education sector, and support the Kingdom’s vision of local empowerment. With full support from the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, the proposal is expected to advance the goal of having Bahraini graduates take on prominent roles in academia. By prioritizing Bahraini talent and providing opportunities for local experts to contribute to academia, the Kingdom can nurture its own talent pool and further develop its education sector.Overall, the proposed quota for Bahraini citizens in teaching roles at government universities is a significant step towards promoting ‘Bahrainisation’ and investing in local talent in academia. The initiative, led by MP Dr Muneer Seroor, aims to give Bahrainis a stronger role in shaping the future of academia and building confidence among national experts. Through fair and open hiring practices and prioritizing internal candidates, the proposal seeks to enhance Bahraini representation in academia and support the Kingdom’s vision of local empowerment.
