Bahrainisation at slow pace in private sector

As less as 1,296 Bahrainis were employed by the private sector during the last year, which is an increase of meagre 0.8 per cent when compared to 2016, according to the data revealed by the General Authority for Social Insurance.

The data reveals that Bahrainisation has not been a great success in the Kingdom’s private sector against what authorities have been acclaiming. Speaking to Tribune, economic analyst Arif Khalifa said the numbers show that the authorities have failed to stimulate the economy and generate enough jobs for Bahrainis, especially for the youth in the Kingdom.

“The rate of growth ideally should have been between two and three per cent. The private companies continue to hire expatriates for several reasons. And the most prominent among them is cheap labour.” However, Mr Khalifa said Bahrainisation has been a success in a few sectors like banking.

“I think the Kingdom has achieved about 95pc Bahrainisation in the banking sector. But what is the point if this success is not emulated in other segments?” He said hospitality sector is one segment, which could employ a large number of Bahrainis. “But that is not really happening. Foreigners in droves are hired in the sector, be it restaurants or other hospitality sectors.” The economic analyst also highlighted the failure from the part of Labour and Social Development Ministry to create enough jobs for the citizens. “These job fairs are not really yielding results.

A recent job fair was attended by around 5,000 unemployed youth while the jobs offered there were only 1,000.” Mr Khalifa also said that there is a link between unemployment and inflation rate which stands at 2.2pc.