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
Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.
Video
In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.
Blog post
Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.
Video
In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.
Media mentions
Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.
Awards
Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."
Media mentions
Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.