Bahrain: Draft Law Amending Bahrainization Policies Currently Under Review
September 9, 2024

The Council of Representatives in Bahrain is reviewing a draft law that would impose a 30% cap on the number of foreign national workers allowed to work in private-sector commercial establishments. The proposed legislation would impose monetary fines (expected to be up to 20% of a foreign worker’s salary) or administrative penalties on employers who breach the new requirements. Although further details are not clear, it is expected that the 30% cap will subsequently increase in a staggered fashion and that, as a separate initiative, Bahraini authorities will seek to limit the total number of work permits issued within specific timeframes to foreign national workers. The reforms, if implemented, would significantly affect the hiring practices of businesses. In Bahrain, the legislative implementation process can take several months, with both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives (or the National Assembly, if applicable) needing to approve a law before it is then sent to the King for endorsement. Employers are encouraged to monitor the passage of these reforms and begin reassessing their current recruitment strategies in order to adequately prepare for future legislative changes.
The proposed reforms are part of broader efforts to increase the number of Bahraini nationals working in the private sector. The Bahraini government aims to employ 20,000 Bahraini nationals in the private sector and train at least 10,000 Bahraini nationals by the end of 2024.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.