Bahrainization is a national employment policy designed to increase the participation of Bahraini nationals in the workforce across both the public and private sectors. The policy sets minimum hiring quotas for Bahraini citizens in different industries and encourages companies to prioritize local talent when filling roles.
Read more: What is Qatarization?
How Bahrainization Works
1. Sector-Based Hiring Targets
Companies must meet a defined percentage of Bahraini employees, which varies by sector and job category. Higher quotas apply in sectors with large local labor supply, while specialized or technical sectors may have lower thresholds.
2. Support for Bahraini Talent (Tamkeen Programs)
The government supports Bahraini workers through Tamkeen, which provides:
- Wage support
- Professional upskilling and certification programs
- Job placement support
- Funding for entrepreneurship and SME development
3. Oversight by the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
The LMRA is responsible for:
- Issuing and renewing work permits
- Monitoring compliance with nationalization targets
- Managing fees and administrative processes related to foreign workers
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies that do not meet Bahrainization targets may face:
- Higher labor fees for foreign workers
- Restrictions on issuing new work permits
- Ineligibility for government tenders and contracts
Read more: Top Applicant Tracking System in Bahrain
Key Goals and Impacts in Bahrain
Read more: Top Recruitment Platforms in Bahrain
Updates in the Bahrainization Policy in 2025
A new draft law in Bahrain aims to enhance Bahrainization across key medical, legal, accounting, education, banking, and aviation sectors. The legislation mandates companies to prioritize hiring Bahraini nationals within two years. Despite concerns from the Ministry of Labour and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the law has gained support from the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee. The BCCI calls for a thorough review to ensure effective implementation. The initiative aligns with Bahrain's broader economic recovery plans and employment strategies.
New Draft Law: Aims to boost Bahrainization in sectors like medical, legal, accounting, education, banking, and aviation.
Hiring Mandate: Companies must prioritize hiring Bahraini nationals within two years.
Support and Concerns: Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee supports the law; Ministry of Labour and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) express concerns.
Review and Implementation: BCCI calls for a thorough review to ensure effective implementation.
Economic Strategy: The initiative aligns with Bahrain's economic recovery and employment strategies.
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What is the Penalty for Non-compliance to Bahrainization?
Here are the penalties for non-compliance:
Employers
If an employer does not comply with the relevant Bahrainization rate, they can now apply for work permits for foreign nationals by paying an additional fee of BHD 300 during the application process. However, it’s recommended that employers strive to meet the applicable Bahrainization rates.
Individual Violations
Imprisonment: Anyone breaching provisions related to Bahrainization may face imprisonment for no less than three months and no more than one year.
Fines: The fine ranges from BD 1000 to BD 2000. For repeated violations, the imprisonment term increases from 6 months to 2 years, with fines ranging from BD 2000 to BD 4000.
Business Suspension: In some cases, the court may suspend the activities of the convict or close their business for up to one year.
Expulsion: Foreign individuals violating provisions may be fined (not exceeding BD 100) and expelled from the Kingdom, with a ban on permanent return or a temporary period of at least three years.
Employer Fines: Employers, recruitment agencies, or their representatives violating certain provisions may face fines ranging from BD 500 to BD 1000, doubling upon repetition.
Read more: What is Kuwaitization?
What is the Goal of Bahrainization?
Bahrainization aims to increase the employment of Bahraini nationals across various sectors, thereby reducing reliance on foreign labor. This initiative aims to tackle unemployment among Bahraini citizens, ensure sustainable economic growth, and create a skilled local workforce aligned with the country's broader economic recovery and employment strategies. The focus is on prioritizing hiring Bahraini nationals in critical industries, such as medical, legal, accounting, education, banking, and aviation, within a specified timeframe.
Read more: What is Omanisation?
Hire the Best Talent
in Bahrain
Meet Bahrainization goals Source Talent in less than 10 seconds Reduce time-to-hire by 40%
How to Overcome the Challenges of Bahrainization?
Here is how companies can meet their Bahrainization targets more effectively:
1. Training and Development: Invest in training programs to enhance the skills of Bahraini employees and ensure they are equipped to fill key roles.
2. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Collaborate with local universities and vocational schools to align curricula with industry needs, creating a pipeline of qualified Bahraini graduates.
3. Incentives for Hiring Locals: Take advantage of government incentives and subsidies to employ Bahraini nationals.
4. Career Pathways: Establish clear career development pathways to retain Bahraini talent by offering opportunities for growth and advancement.
5. Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible work arrangements, including part-time and remote work options, to attract a broader pool of Bahraini candidates.
As businesses navigate evolving landscapes, securing skilled Bahraini talent is crucial for success. With Iris by Qureos, you can unlock the potential of top Bahraini professionals, enhancing your workforce while seamlessly achieving Bahrainization goals. Get in touch today to find top talent in Bahrain!
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