Thumbs up for 50% Bahrainisation in privatised projects

TDT | Manama

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Lawmakers have passed a new rule forcing companies that take over state services to hire Bahrainis for at least half the jobs, in an attempt to curb the dominance of expat workers in privatised sectors.

The proposed amendment requires any firm contracting with the government under a privatisation deal to ensure that no less than fifty per cent of its staff are Bahraini.

The proposal was submitted by MPs Dr Muneer Seroor, Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed and Lulwa Al Romaihi.

It cleared the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee without objection before being sent to the full chamber, which approved it yesterday.

Sectors

The rule applies across a swathe of sectors including transport, energy, water, tourism, telecoms, ports, post and oil services, where government assets or responsibilities have been handed over to private firms.

Al Romaihi, speaking in the chamber, said the change was meant to reduce the side effects of privatisation.

“Privatisation may deliver economic returns, but it often comes with higher costs for the public,” she said. “A fifty per cent Bahrainisation requirement offers some measure of security for those who might otherwise be shut out.”

Closer watch

She added that the state must keep a closer watch on the companies it contracts to make sure they meet the terms of the law.