Bahrain’s Parliament Approves New Law to Regulate Private Education Sector

The Bahraini Parliament approved a new law aimed at modernizing the country’s private education sector, replacing the existing legislation that has been in place since 1998.

The new legislation covers all private educational institutions, including nurseries, kindergartens, schools, training centers, foreign institutions, and community schools. Its primary objectives are to enhance the quality of education, strengthen governance, and ensure alignment with national educational policies.

The law seeks to improve oversight and administration, encourage responsible investment in private education, and advance curriculum development to raise educational outcomes. According to the Parliamentary Services Committee, the legislation addresses several key gaps in the current framework, including the regulation of school ownership succession, monitoring tuition fees, and ensuring curricula respect national and religious values.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that the new law grants expanded regulatory powers, enabling supervision over all private educational institutions, early learning centers, and training facilities. It also allows the ministry to impose fines and corrective measures on violators, ensuring a safe and comprehensive learning environment.

In addition, the law offers incentives for investors, including extended licensing periods, while prioritizing the employment of Bahraini nationals. At the same time, it maintains opportunities for foreign investment in the education sector.

MP Jalal Kazem Al Mahfouz described the law as a significant legislative milestone in advancing Bahrain’s education sector. He noted that it comes 27 years after the previous law and aims to meet current needs while enhancing the quality of both public and private education.

Speaking in Parliament, Al Mahfouz praised the Ministry of Education and the efforts of the Minister of Education for initiating the law. He highlighted the improvements in education quality and administrative structures over recent years, which have earned widespread approval from parents and the public.

He further stressed that investing in education is investing in human capital, citing global examples such as Singapore, which achieved remarkable development through education despite limited resources. He affirmed that Bahrain is following a similar path under the guidance of the country’s leadership.