Bahraini graduates set to take charge

TDT | Manama

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Foreign teachers are being replaced by Bahraini graduates in a drive by the Ministry of Education, with the percentage of locals in its workforce already exceeding 86 per cent.

Security roles are also set to be fully taken over by Bahrainis, and annual reviews of contracts are ensuring expatriates are steadily replaced.

During a meeting with the committee investigating employment contracts and manpower in government bodies, the ministry explained that it turns to the private sector for certain services.

These include student transport, canteens, security, cleaning, facilities for people with special needs, as well as maintenance of networks and fire alarm systems.

Employment

The ministry emphasised its efforts to boost Bahraini employment by embedding conditions in private contracts that prioritise local workers.

Plans are also in place to ensure Bahrainis are hired for all ministry-affiliated positions.

This includes replacing foreign teachers with graduates of the Teachers College and ensuring that security guard roles are entirely localised.

Contracts for positions that can be filled by Bahrainis will not be renewed for expatriates. However, the ministry acknowledged that some academic institutions still require foreign expertise, particularly in specialised areas such as languages at universities.

It also noted that private schools operate independently and are not obligated to hire Bahrainis, although lists of local job seekers are shared with them through coordination with the Ministry of Labour.

Currently, 2,074 staff are employed under contractual agreements.

Temporary contracts

Each year, the ministry reviews temporary contracts for expatriate teachers and replaces them with Bahrainis when local graduates are available.

In cases where expatriate staff are essential, contracts are renewed only after careful consideration of the need and an evaluation of performance from the previous academic year, which must meet a high standard.