Expats in non-degree jobs may be replaced by locals in 5 years

TDT | Manama

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A joint parliamentary committee has backed a plan to replace expats in jobs that don’t require a university degree with qualified Bahrainis over five years.

The Legal and Legislative Affairs and Services committees want the government to identify such roles across the public and private sectors and prepare a phased replacement strategy. Parliament will debate the proposal on Tuesday.

The Civil Service Bureau said jobs should go to Bahrainis who meet the criteria, with foreigners hired only when no suitable local candidate is available. It also checks for eligible Bahrainis before renewing any expat contracts.

While trade unions supported the move, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry raised concerns, saying it clashed with an existing labour market roadmap developed with Parliament and the Shura Council.