MPs to vote on bill to sack expats above 50

Manama : The House of Representatives this week will vote on a controversial bill that prohibits expatriates above the age of 50 to work in the Kingdom and terminate those who have already exceeded the age 

limit. This is not the first time the bill is laid on the MPs’ table to be discussed, as it was passed once before in 2016.

However, the lawmakers will review a report issued by the Services Committee, which rejected it after discussing it with the related official authorities.

Aiming to maintain the age limit of non-Bahrainis working here to 50, the bill is believed to offer unemployed Bahrainis more job opportunities.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority has rejected the bill, informing committee members that it will adversely affect a large segment of employers, as there are professions that depend on the experience of the employees.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in addition to a couple of labour unions in the Kingdom have also rejected the bill as it contradicts with the International Labour Convention.

The committee’s report will be reviewed and voted on, in the presence of government officials, during the council’s weekly meeting on Tuesday.

The bill was initially submitted by MP Jalal Kadhim in February last year. Kadhim claimed back then that the proposal would help employing qualified Bahraini cadre and reduce unemployment among citizens.