BD500 fee per expat permit if private schools miss Bahrainisation quotas

The government has announced that a BD500 fee will be charged for each foreign-worker permit if private schools fail to meet Bahrainisation quotas. The move supports the localization of Arabic, Islamic, and social studies teachers, while directing 80% of foreign labor fees through Tamkeen to bolster national employment.

In a reply to Parliament, the government stated that private schools are provided with lists of qualified Bahraini teachers and are urged to prioritize hiring nationals.

Hiring:
The 80% share of fees paid for expat labor is routed through the Labour Fund Tamkeen to support hiring in the private sector. The government also highlighted that national teaching capacity is being strengthened through the teacher apprenticeship program at Bahrain Teachers College, with more than 600 Bahrainis employed by private schools in 2024, marking an increase from previous years.

The policy aims to align education outcomes with labor-market needs, encouraging employers to prioritize Bahraini hires.

Training and Certification:
Efforts are underway with relevant authorities to expand training pathways and the necessary certificates required to teach in private schools.

Bahrainisation quotas apply across sectors, including private education, and vary according to the level of interest among Bahrainis in available roles. Where an establishment falls short of its set quota, the BD500 fee applies to each expat work permit.