Master’s degree rule for expat hires back before MPs

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

MPs will again debate a proposal on Tuesday that would allow the government to hire expatriates only if they hold at least a master’s degree and have ten years’ experience — rules the Shura Council has rejected but Parliament wants to keep.

The changes, which amend Article 11 of the Civil Service Law, were previously approved by the Council of Representatives. However, the Shura Council refused the draft in principle. Despite this, Parliament’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has advised MPs to stick to their earlier decision and uphold the original wording.

Under the proposal, ministries and state bodies could only recruit an expat if no Bahraini candidate meets the job requirements. Any non-Bahraini hire must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in the relevant field and at least a decade of experience. Contracts would be limited to two years and could be renewed once for another two years, but only after rechecking that no qualified Bahraini is available. A Civil Service Bureau committee would also need to approve any renewal.

During their contract, expat employees would be required to train a Bahraini staff member so that locals gain the skills needed to eventually take over these roles. The draft also states that foreign staff hired through contracts must follow the Civil Service Law whenever their contracts do not cover a matter. The Civil Service Bureau would issue the detailed rules for hiring non-Bahrainis, including the training obligation.

Supporters say the goal is to reduce unemployment and ensure Bahrainis come first in public recruitment. The government argues that setting fixed qualifications in law is too restrictive because staffing needs change. Despite this, the committee has recommended that MPs reaffirm their earlier approval of the draft.