20% Bahrainisation rule for tenders approved

TDT | Manama

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The Parliament has approved a proposal requiring companies bidding for government tenders to ensure at least 20 per cent of their workforce is Bahraini. The measure, designed to tackle unemployment and prevent misuse of Bahrainisation certificates, passed by majority vote, though MP Muneer Seroor opposed it, calling for a more ambitious target of 50 per cent.

The move seeks to give more jobs to Bahrainis in service contracts, with compliance overseen by the Ministry of Labour or other relevant bodies. Backers said it is a step towards reducing reliance on foreign workers in common roles such as consultancy and accounting.

Worry

MP Mohammed Al Rafai voiced worry about companies abusing the system to appear compliant. “Investigations showed firms gaining Bahrainisation certificates just to win tenders. This undermines the purpose of the rule, and the Ministry of Labour must ensure proper enforcement,” he said.

Dr Hisham Al Ashiri, one of the proposal’s backers, pointed to a growing trend of contracts going to foreign firms. “Many of these deals involve general services that Bahrainis could easily handle. By setting a minimum 20 per cent Bahrainisation rate, we can create more chances for our workforce,” he said.

While noting the challenges faced by sectors like construction, he pressed for higher rates in less labour-heavy fields.

Starting point

MP Mohammed Al Ma’arifi described the 20 per cent figure as ‘a starting point’, urging steady increases over time. However, MP Muneer Seroor dismissed the threshold as too low.

“This doesn’t give Bahrainis their due. A 50 per cent minimum would better reflect their worth and skills,” he said, praising the strength and talent of the local workforce.