Over half a million expatriates hold valid work permits in private sector

TDT | Manama

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The Ministry of Labour says 505,998 expat workers are employed in Bahrain’s private sector under valid work permits, according to a written reply to MP Mohammed Al Rifai.

The ministry said employers in the commercial sector use 2,582 job titles for expat staff, while the domestic work sector uses 13.

A sector breakdown showed the largest share in wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, with 124,503 workers.

Construction employed 118,666, followed by accommodation and food services on 63,881.

Manufacturing accounted for 54,022 expat workers, administrative and support services for 40,104, and professional, scientific and technical activities for 26,441.

Activities

The ministry said 18,101 expat workers were employed in personal services and repair activities, and 17,815 in transport and storage. Real estate activities employed 9,199 workers, while education accounted for 7,573.

Financial and insurance activities employed 6,413, and information and communications 6,302.

Human health and social work activities employed 3,684 expat workers, the ministry said, while 3,428 worked in water supply, sewerage and waste management, and 3,038 in agriculture, fishing and forestry. Mining and quarrying employed 1,507 workers, and arts, entertainment and recreation 1,170.

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply accounted for 151.

Tenure

On job tenure, the ministry said 152,106 expat workers in the commercial sector had remained with the same employer for more than five years.

It also gave figures for expat workers whose permits had expired but who had not left Bahrain up to October 2025, saying 11,437 were classed as commercial workers and 5,748 as domestic workers.

Where an employer applies for a permit to recruit an expat worker from outside Bahrain, the ministry said approval is delayed for 21 days.

During that period, the employer must advertise the vacancy in local newspapers for seven days and interview Bahraini candidates.

Advertisements

The ministry said the newspaper advertisements are published in Arabic to reach Bahrainis seeking work.

It added that it works with training bodies on initiatives to keep training and skills-building in step with labour market needs, and that it contacts employers to promote the hiring of Bahraini jobseekers.

Where an employer agrees to hire Bahrainis and the post is suitable, the ministry said the vacancy is posted on the National Employment Platform to allow jobseekers to apply, as it continues work with relevant bodies on measures aimed at giving Bahrainis priority in employment and supporting balance and sustainability in the labour market.