MLSD Minister: The decision to announce job vacancies is a mechanism that will provide more opportunities for citizens

15-08-2020

Ministry of Labour and Social Development begins its regulatory procedures to implement the decision in cooperation with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the Coordination Committee—chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister—has instructed the Ministry and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to prioritise Bahraini employment by withholding overseas work permits until vacancies have been announced to citizens. Under this arrangement, the Ministry sends eligible Bahraini candidates to the applying employer, who must also advertise the positions daily in local newspapers for one week at their own expense; two weeks after the application date, the employer may opt to hire locally or recruit from abroad. This mechanism will expand suitable job opportunities for citizens while reinforcing transparency, fairness and equal competition in the labour market by ensuring Bahrainis are fully informed of vacancies in private‑sector establishments. The new vacancy‑announcement procedure triggered when an employer files an overseas‑permit request with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority adds another avenue for Bahrainis to secure positions. It complements the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s existing system, through which employers may list openings electronically and jobseekers can apply via the Ministry’s online employment fair before any foreign recruitment is considered. Under the additional step, if an employer still pursues a work‑permit application, the LMRA will advertise the posts in local newspapers; only if no suitably qualified Bahraini comes forward may the firm proceed to hire from abroad. Humaidan confirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has finalised all technical and administrative arrangements with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to implement the new hiring directive in full. Ministry teams now contact employers to identify suitable vacancies for citizens, match them with qualified Bahraini candidates and explain the incentives—such as wage subsidies and training—available when hiring nationals. He praised employers for embracing initiatives that integrate Bahraini talent into private‑sector establishments, noting their patriotic commitment to offering rewarding jobs, maintaining workforce stability and providing promotion pathways to leadership roles. To support the new mechanism, the Authority supplies the Ministry each day with data on companies requesting overseas permits or local transfers. A dedicated marketing unit follows up with employers who seek foreign permits in occupations earmarked for Bahrainis, arranges interviews in line with each firm’s preferences and highlights the benefits of employing citizens. Humaidan noted that the Ministry’s diverse citizen‑integration plans form an integrated system designed to keep the labour market stable while reinforcing it with national cadres capable of driving production. These efforts align with the Ministry’s employment projects and programmes and help keep unemployment at safe, reassuring levels across the Kingdom. He voiced firm confidence in Bahrain’s workforce, observing that practical experience has proven its reliability in sustaining productivity. Humaidan praised Bahraini employees for their discipline, strong work ethic, commitment to continual professional development and loyalty to their organisations—qualities that encourage employers to invest in young nationals, secure workplace stability and advance shared success.