MPs push for scholarships to fuel Bahrainisation in government jobs

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

MPs are calling for academic scholarships to be aligned with Bahrainisation efforts to fill government roles and reduce reliance on expatriates.

The proposal, submitted by MP Dr Munir Seroor and backed by four parliamentary colleagues, will be debated in Parliament next Tuesday.

They suggest tailoring scholarship placements to meet public sector needs, ensuring Bahraini graduates can step into specialised positions.

“About 6,000 scholarships and grants were awarded to Bahraini school-leavers who scored 90 per cent or more in 2023, yet most appear to meet private-sector demands,” said Dr Seroor. “Guiding these talented young locals towards government jobs would boost overall efficiency and workforce stability.”

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB), responding to queries from the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, expressed support for the proposal. It emphasised that education outcomes should match the hiring needs of government departments, as outlined in Civil Service regulations. The Bureau is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to forecast specific recruitment needs.

“Every government department must provide clear details of their vacancies,” the CSB stated. “Our role is to ensure scholarships align with actual public sector job openings, facilitating a smoother transition for graduates into government careers.”

Currently, Bahraini citizens are prioritised for government jobs. Non-Bahrainis can only be hired on short-term contracts if no qualified local candidates are available, with the requirement to train Bahraini replacements.

Dr Seroor added that a structured mentoring system would accompany these changes. “Expatriates would be expected to train local graduates until they are fully prepared to take over the roles. This ensures a smooth transition and maintains the quality of public services,” he said.

The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously approved the proposal, highlighting its potential to reduce graduate unemployment and strengthen the Bahrainisation of government positions.