Bahrain Reaffirms Mandatory Nationalisation Across All Sectors

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Manama: Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour has reaffirmed that the employment of Bahraini nationals remains mandatory across all companies and institutions operating in the Kingdom, with sector-specific quotas applied based on the nature of each industry and the availability of Bahraini talent.

In a written response to MP Munir Sarour, Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf said the ministry continues to monitor compliance with nationalisation quotas across various sectors, with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority tracking implementation through automated electronic systems.

The ministry warned that companies failing to meet the required Bahraini employment ratio will face an additional fee of BD 500 on each foreign work permit. Compliance with nationalisation targets is also a requirement for participation in government tenders.

Officials noted that some businesses have successfully achieved Bahraini workforce ratios of between 80 and 90 percent, reflecting the growing competitiveness of national talent in the labour market.

For small enterprises employing up to five foreign workers, nationalisation requirements will apply when applying for additional foreign labour permits.

The ministry also highlighted ongoing wage support initiatives aimed at making Bahraini employment more attractive to employers, with salary support of 70% in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 30% in the third year.

Salary support ceilings have also been raised to BD800 for university graduates, BD 600 for diploma holders, and BD 450 for high school graduates and below.

In addition, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) continues to offer specialised employment support programmes for engineers, law graduates, doctors, dentists, and freelance professionals as part of broader efforts to strengthen Bahraini participation in the private sector.