Bahrain recorded higher growth in local private sector employment between 2022 and 2024, while expatriate worker numbers increased at a slower pace under the kingdom’s Bahrainisation policy. Data released by Bahrain’s Labour Ministry showed that private sector expatriate employment rose from 464,304 workers in 2022 to 467,267 workers in 2024. At the same time, the number of Bahrainis employed in the private sector increased from 99,945 to 103,986 workers. The ministry based the figures on Social Insurance Organisation subscriber records.
Bahrainisation policy expands across economic sectors
The Bahrainisation policy applies to all economic sectors in the kingdom. However, localisation targets differ depending on sector activity and the availability of Bahraini jobseekers.
Authorities monitor company compliance through electronic systems. Companies that fail to meet Bahrainisation requirements must pay an additional BD500 fee for every expatriate work permit issued.
The ministry also linked Bahrainisation policy compliance to government procurement. Companies must meet required localisation rates before participating in public tenders.
Bahrain private sector expatriate employment increase remains limited
The Bahrain private sector expatriate employment increase remained below 1 per cent during the two-year period. Meanwhile, Bahraini employment recorded growth of more than 4 per cent.
The ministry said several companies achieved Bahrainisation levels between 80 and 90 per cent. Officials also stated that Bahraini workers continued to compete successfully across private sector industries.
Under current labour rules, small businesses employing up to five expatriate workers become subject to Bahrainisation requirements once they request permits for additional foreign workers.
Hiring rules target local workforce opportunities
Employers seeking approval to recruit workers from abroad must complete a 21-day process before receiving permits. During that period, employers must publish job advertisements in local newspapers for at least seven days. Companies must also interview Bahraini applicants and expatriates already living in Bahrain before hiring workers from overseas.
The ministry said these measures aim to reduce external recruitment when suitable candidates are available locally and to strengthen employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
Officials also clarified that Bahrain does not maintain an official category for jobs considered “replaceable,” and therefore no related permit figures are available.
