Work Visas for Foreign Staff to Depend on Bahrainisation Compliance

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Work visas for foreign staff at state-linked firms would hinge on Bahrainisation compliance under a proposal now before Parliament’s Services Committee.

The plan, tabled by MP Dr Munir Seroor, gives qualified Bahrainis first call on administrative and leadership posts. The memo states that foreign staff have held many senior and mid-level roles for long periods, narrowing the path for capable nationals.

Role
It adds that the labour market already holds trained candidates, yet the absence of a clear replacement plan has limited their role. The proposal sets out a national database of qualified Bahrainis—listing discipline, experience, and specialism—to be the first point of reference when posts fall vacant.

Each company would keep an internal replacement plan with annual targets, hiring and training pathways, and a timetable that raises ratios over time from middle management to top posts.

Progress
Visa renewals for foreign employees would be tied to demonstrable progress, with temporary exemptions only where no suitable Bahraini is available. The plan also calls for specialist training programmes with universities and training centres to prepare nationals for leadership roles.

Incentives for compliant firms could include easier access to scarce technical hires and relief from selected government fees.

Results
Oversight would rest with a national follow-up committee that would monitor delivery, issue yearly reports on Bahrainisation in administrative and leadership jobs, and publish the results.

Supporters frame the case around three points: Bahrain has the talent to fill these roles; long stints by foreign staff in senior jobs have curbed advancement for citizens; and enabling Bahrainis to play a direct role in leading key economic sectors is a stated public aim.