Proposed Bahrainisation in the medical sector

At a glance

• Bahrain's Shura Council has unanimously approved legislation mandating a minimum percentage of Bahrainisation in private hospitals, medical centres, and clinics.
• Concerns were raised about the feasibility of achieving a 50% Bahrainisation target, as proposed by Members of Parliament, due to the limited availability of qualified Bahraini specialists in certain fields.
• The legislation will now be referred to Parliament for further review.

Bahrain's Shura Council has unanimously approved legislation mandating a minimum percentage of Bahrainisation in private hospitals, medical centres, and clinics. The proposed amendments to the 2015 Private Medical Establishments Law, recommended by the services committee, aim to prioritise Bahraini medical professionals. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of achieving a 50% Bahrainisation target, as proposed by Members of Parliament, due to the limited availability of qualified Bahraini specialists in certain fields. 

The legislation will now be referred to Parliament for further review. If approved, it will be sent to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification. The Supreme Council for Health has been given the authority to determine appropriate Bahrainisation percentages and grant licenses accordingly. The Labour Ministry and the National Health Regulatory Authority ensure that licenses for expatriates are issued only when necessary. Health officials have emphasised that Bahraini medics are prioritised for recruitment, with Tamkeen initiatives strengthening their position in the job market.