GPIC Reports Significant Increase in Bahraini Workforce, Aims for 95% by 2025

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Company (GPIC) has announced a significant increase in its Bahraini workforce, reaching 93.6% in 2023, up from 86% in 2021. In a response to a parliamentary committee investigating job nationalization, the company stated its aim to achieve 95% Bahraini employment by 2025.

Over the four-year period from 2020 to 2023, GPIC hired 1492 Bahraini employees compared to 284 foreign employees. The company highlighted that the average salary for Bahraini employees is BD 1983, significantly higher than the BD 1423 average salary for foreign employees.

GPIC further emphasised its commitment to nationalization, noting that two of its contracting companies have achieved 100% Bahraini employment, while a third boasts a 57% nationalization rate.

The company detailed its strategy for replacing foreign workers with Bahraini nationals. GPIC acknowledged that a shortage of local technicians and engineers with specialised skills sometimes necessitates hiring foreign experts. However, the company stated that it rigorously selects recently graduated Bahraini employees, providing them with intensive training programmes to bridge any skills gap.

When recruiting foreign workers, GPIC adheres to a strict process: compliance with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority's (LMRA) employment requirements; collaboration with reputable and specialised recruitment agencies; verification of academic credentials and specialised technical certifications; a minimum of ten years' experience in petrochemical plants; a commitment from candidates to train and mentor Bahraini employees; and the provision of good conduct certificates.

This rigorous approach ensures that foreign hires contribute to knowledge transfer and skills development within the Bahraini workforce.