Bahrain's Expat Workforce Sees Slight Increase Amid Bahrainisation Efforts

May 17, 2026

61 min

May 17, 2026 15:30

Bahrain's private sector expat workforce rises 0.6% in two years

## Expatriate Workforce Growth

Bahrain's private sector has seen a slight increase in its expatriate workforce over the past two years. According to the Labour Ministry, the number of expatriate workers rose by 0.6%, from 464,304 in 2022 to 467,267 in 2024.

## Bahrainisation Initiatives

While expatriate employment saw a modest rise, the number of Bahrainis in the private sector grew by over 4%, from 99,945 in 2022 to 103,986 in 2024. The kingdom's Bahrainisation policy mandates that all economic sectors adhere to specific localisation requirements, which vary based on sector needs and the availability of local jobseekers.

## Compliance and Penalties

Authorities monitor compliance with Bahrainisation electronically. Companies that do not meet the required levels face a BD500 fee for each expatriate work permit. Additionally, meeting these quotas is necessary for companies wishing to bid on government contracts.

## Recruitment Regulations

To prioritize local employment, there is a 21-day waiting period before employers can recruit expatriates from abroad. During this time, job vacancies must be advertised locally, and Bahraini candidates should be interviewed.

## No "Replaceable" Job Category

The ministry clarified that there is no official category for jobs deemed "replaceable," and thus no data is available for such positions.

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