Bahrain Significantly Reduces Foreign Workers in Government Sector
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has announced a significant reduction in the number of foreign employees within Bahrain's government sector, stating that in 2024, foreign workers constituted only 14% of the government workforce, totaling approximately 5,800 employees. This represents a substantial decrease from 7,582 foreign employees in 2019, a reduction of 23% over five years. The CSB confirmed that Bahraini employees make up the remaining 86%, totaling 35,663 individuals.
In response to a Shura Council inquiry, the CSB stated that government hiring is based solely on actual needs to fill vacancies, adhering strictly to established criteria and job descriptions. Contract renewals also depend entirely on the needs of government entities, ensuring the continued provision of services.
The CSB emphasised that required qualifications vary widely depending on the specific job and its demands, noting that some specialised positions require professional certifications to guarantee high-level performance. The Bureau expressed concern that a proposed law requiring a master's degree for non-Bahrainis could negatively impact the government's ability to attract necessary expertise and fill critical roles.
"Such a requirement would necessitate a complete re-evaluation of job requirements for all applicants, potentially hindering operations and creating staffing shortages," it stated in its response.
The CSB further clarified that all employment contracts for foreign workers include a clause mandating the training of Bahraini employees. "Government entities proactively identify future job needs and required qualifications, coordinating with the Ministry of Education to align educational programmes with these demands. The CSB also undertakes regular reviews of job requirements in collaboration with government agencies to stay abreast of market trends and evolving needs," the response explained.
The CSB further clarified that all employment contracts for foreign workers include a clause mandating the training of Bahraini employees. "Government entities proactively identify future job needs and required qualifications, coordinating with the Ministry of Education to align educational programmes with these demands. The CSB also undertakes regular reviews of job requirements in collaboration with government agencies to stay abreast of market trends and evolving needs," the response explained.
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