Bahraini Jobs Outpace Expat Hiring
Expat worker numbers barely moved in Bahrain’s private sector between 2022 and 2024, rising about 0.6pc, while Bahraini employment grew by just over 4pc.
Labour Ministry figures drawn from Social Insurance Organisation subscriber data show Bahraini workers in the private sector rose from 99,945 in 2022 to 103,986 in 2024. Over the same span, expat workers increased from 464,304 to 467,267.
The figures came in a written reply to MP Dr Munir Seroor, in which the ministry said every sector was subject to Bahrainisation rates, with the level changing by field and by Bahraini demand for the jobs available.
The ministry said these rates were monitored automatically through electronic systems. Firms that fall short are charged an extra BD500 for each expat work permit.
Meeting Bahrainisation rates is also a condition for bidding for government tenders, the ministry said. The rates are reviewed as labour market needs change.
The ministry said Bahraini workers had shown they could compete in the private sector, adding that many firms now rely on Bahraini staff. In some firms, it said, Bahrainisation had reached between 80pc and 90pc.
For small and micro firms with no more than five expat workers, Bahrainisation rules apply when they seek further work permits for expat staff.
The ministry also pointed to a 21-day delay before approval is given for work permits to bring expat workers from abroad. During that period, employers must advertise vacant jobs in local newspapers for seven days and interview Bahraini applicants, as well as expat workers already in the kingdom.
The aim, it said, was to curb overseas recruitment where suitable workers can be found locally, and to give Bahrainis a better chance in the labour market.
Asked about permits issued for jobs classed as ‘replaceable’, the ministry said no such category existed under that name. It therefore could not give a figure for expat permits in such roles.
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