Bahrainisation Ahead of Target

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) have exceeded their Bahrainisation targets, according to Mumtalakat, although some highly specialised roles continue to be filled by expatriates on a temporary basis.

In a response to MP Dr Hisham Al Ashiri, Mumtalakat stated that Bahraini nationals make up 87 percent of the workforce at Aluminium Bahrain and 89 percent at Bahrain Airport Company, both exceeding the required nationalisation levels set by relevant authorities.

The fund explained that certain positions still require specialised expertise and experience not yet widely available in the local labour market. As a result, foreign professionals are temporarily employed until Bahraini employees are fully trained to assume these roles.

At BAC, the role of X-ray machine operator is expected to be transferred to Bahraini staff during April, following the completion of training programmes. Mumtalakat noted that such transitions are part of an ongoing review process aimed at replacing expatriate roles with qualified Bahraini nationals.

At Alba, remaining expatriate-held roles include specialised positions in environmental governance, electronic systems such as SAP, information science, high-voltage power conversion, and core aluminium operations like metallurgy, reduction cells, and ingot production.

Similarly, BAC continues to rely on non-Bahraini staff for certain regulatory and technical roles that require international certifications and extensive experience. These roles are periodically reviewed for potential localisation, particularly as workforce demands increase.

Both companies are actively investing in training and development programmes to sustain and further improve Bahrainisation rates. At Alba, employees undergo structured academic, vocational, and on-the-job training, with progress assessed at key stages before transitioning into specialised roles. BAC also implements continuous training initiatives, including technical and vocational programmes, as well as support for professional certifications aligned with operational requirements.

Mumtalakat emphasised that these efforts aim to build a sustainable, skilled national workforce while reducing reliance on expatriates. Career planning, performance evaluations, and targeted training are also used to ensure operational continuity and maintain high standards.

Additionally, Alba prioritizes national employees through various initiatives, including supervisory development programmes, skills assessment schemes, and specialised training tracks such as the Bridge and Star programmes. Support is also provided for higher education, including diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, alongside international training opportunities.

Mumtalakat said these combined measures are designed to prepare Bahrainis for leadership and technical roles, ensuring longterm sustainability of Bahrainisation across key sectors.