Bahrain MP calls for tighter foreign work permits to boost national hiring

Bahrain MP Dr Muneer Seroor has called for tighter restrictions on work permits for foreign workers and greater hiring of Bahrainis, arguing that stronger Bahrainisation would help keep more wages within the Kingdom’s economy.

Speaking during a visit to the Labour Ministry, Seroor said Bahrainisation should be assessed by the number and quality of jobs created for citizens rather than through quotas alone.

He called for employers’ workforce requirements to be matched with Bahraini jobseekers, while skills gaps should be addressed through targeted, job-focused training. Bahrainis should be prioritised for roles where they have the required skills or can be trained to meet employers’ needs, he said.

Seroor also argued that increasing the employment of Bahrainis would reduce the outflow of workers’ remittances and keep more income circulating in the local economy.

Discussions during the ministry visit covered measures to accelerate recruitment, improve jobseeker records and strengthen employment services. Officials also addressed unemployment support, job security and barriers that may discourage some Bahrainis from taking up certain roles.

The MP urged closer cooperation between Parliament and the Labour Ministry on legislation and training programmes that can create quality employment and help jobseekers move into well-paid, stable work.

He also called for greater scrutiny of recruitment practices that could prevent Bahrainis from receiving fair opportunities or leave workers without adequate job security.

Seroor said the effectiveness of the ministry should ultimately be measured by the outcomes delivered to citizens, from registration and job matching through training and interviews to securing suitable and stable employment.

“Job creation, worker protection and job stability are a public responsibility that requires everyone to work together,” he said.

He added that there was no alternative to gradually increasing Bahrainisation if the country is to address gaps in its labour market.

Seroor has previously backed stronger Bahrainisation measures in privatised state projects. Last year, he co-sponsored a draft law requiring contractors operating under government privatisation agreements to employ at least 50% Bahraini staff. 

The proposal covered sectors including tourism, telecommunications, transport, ports, power, oil and gas and postal services, and was approved by Parliament’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee.