Bahrain Strengthens Efforts to Prioritize Citizens in Private School Teaching Roles

The Bahraini government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the localization of teaching positions in private schools, particularly in Arabic language, Islamic education, and social studies, in response to a recent parliamentary proposal.

Highlighting its approach, the government noted that 80% of fees collected from foreign worker permits are channeled through the Tamkeen Labor Fund to bolster Bahraini employment in the private sector and create new opportunities for citizens. Authorities are actively working to attract academically and professionally qualified Bahraini educators, supplying private schools with lists of qualified local teachers and encouraging them to prioritize citizen hires.

As part of this strategy, the government pointed to the success of the professional teaching program offered by the Bahrain Teachers College, which has significantly increased the number of Bahrainis employed in private schools. In 2024 alone, over 600 Bahraini teachers were appointed—a marked increase compared to previous years.

The government emphasized that it shares the objectives of the parliamentary proposal and is committed to achieving them through targeted training programs, educational certifications, and initiatives designed to support citizens in the private education sector. Cooperation with the Council of Representatives remains a key part of ensuring these efforts serve the best interests of the nation and its people.

Beyond education, the government is also focused on creating high-quality employment opportunities across various sectors in partnership with the private sector. Ensuring alignment between educational outputs and labor market needs remains a priority, reinforcing Bahrainis as the preferred choice for employment.

To achieve these goals, authorities are collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to provide necessary training and certifications for teaching roles in private schools. A series of initiatives also reinforce the principle of giving priority to Bahraini workers in the labor market.

One key measure includes mandatory localization quotas for private sector activities, including education, with targets adjusted based on local workforce interest in available roles. Employers that fail to meet these quotas face an additional fee of 500 Bahraini dinars for each foreign worker permit issued.