Bahrain MPs Push 80% Bahrainisation for Firms on State Projects
Bahrain's parliament will debate requiring 80% Bahraini staff at firms on government projects, plus an AI system to match Bahrainis with job vacancies.
BahrainIn brief
- Bahraini MPs have proposed that companies working on government projects employ Bahrainis for at least 80% of their workforce.
- A separate proposal would use artificial intelligence to find vacancies and match qualified Bahrainis to them.
- Both proposals are due for debate in parliament; neither is law yet.
- MPs say the plans would cut unemployment among Bahrainis and guide decisions on hiring expatriates.
| Country | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Organization | Bahrain Council of Representatives |
| Official source | Gulf Daily News – Push for 80pc Bahrainisation in firms taking up state projects ✓ gdnonline.com |
Members of Bahrain's Council of Representatives want companies that win government projects to fill at least 80% of their jobs with Bahrainis. The proposed legislation, reported by the Gulf Daily News on 24 October 2026, is due to be debated and voted on at parliament's Tuesday session.
MPs have also tabled a second idea: using artificial intelligence to match Bahraini job seekers with vacancies.
The two proposals
| Proposal | What it would do | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 80% Bahrainisation on state projects | Firms taking government projects would need Bahrainis to make up at least 80% of staff | Due for debate and vote |
| AI job matching | AI would find vacancies, study employer needs and match qualified Bahrainis to roles | Due for debate |
The reports do not yet give details on deadlines, penalties or which kinds of projects would be covered.
Why MPs want this
Supporters say the measures would lower unemployment among citizens and give the authorities better data for decisions about training, recruitment and hiring expatriates. Bahrain has already moved to reserve some fields for nationals, such as a draft law on private security jobs.
What happens next
A parliamentary proposal is only the first step. If MPs approve it, it goes to the government and the Shura Council. Rules are usually followed by an implementing decision that sets dates, scope and exceptions.
What it means for job seekers
- Bahrainis: Contractors on government projects could become a major source of jobs, especially in construction, engineering, IT and services.
- Bahrainis should register with official employment services so they are in the system if AI matching goes ahead.
- Expats: Companies relying on state contracts may hire fewer foreign staff in future, so specialist and senior skills will matter more.
- Wait for the final rules. Nothing changes until the law is passed and published.
See also how Bahrain workers can check their permit status on the MyGov app.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bahrain requiring 80% Bahraini staff?
Not yet. MPs have proposed an 80% Bahrainisation rule for companies taking on government projects, and it is due to be debated.
Which companies would the 80% Bahrainisation rule cover?
Companies that win government projects. The proposal does not yet name specific sectors or project types.
What is Bahrain's AI job matching proposal?
A plan for an AI system that identifies vacancies, reviews employer needs and matches qualified Bahrainis to suitable jobs.
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