Prioritise Bahrainis for teaching and management roles in Private Schools

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament is poised to vote on a proposal aimed at prioritising Bahrainis for teaching and management positions in private education, replacing expatriates. However, the proposal has already drawn criticism from the government, which argues that existing measures already favour Bahrainis in the private sector.

The proposal seeks amendments to Articles 11 and 12 of the 1998 Private Education Law, which currently does not mandate such hiring requirements. Filed with the Services Committee in May of last year, the proposal calls for the employment of Bahrainis who meet the necessary qualifications and experience for these roles.

While the idea has sparked debate, not all parties are in favour. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has highlighted existing policies that incentivise the hiring of Bahrainis, including quotas for local hiring, expat worker fees, and job vacancy advertisements that give locals a first opportunity to apply. Tamkeen also supports these efforts with wage subsidies and training programmes.

The Ministry of Education backs the government’s position, emphasising that Bahraini candidates are already prioritised in private schools.

Nevertheless, some stakeholders argue that the proposed law is still needed. Al Rawabi Private School, for example, expressed support for the idea, praising Bahraini teachers for their capability and creativity but noting challenges such as long approval processes and gaps in practical experience among graduates. The school suggested faster hiring procedures, better alignment of university courses with private sector needs, improved pay packages, and government-backed benefits for private sector workers to boost job security and attract more Bahrainis into the sector.

The Services Committee has endorsed the draft proposal, asserting that private institutions must take greater responsibility in addressing Bahrain’s unemployment challenges.