Plan to Prioritise Bahraini Teachers in Private Schools Approved

Daily Tribune

05-02-2025

A proposal to make private schools prioritise Bahraini teachers over expats—potentially affecting thousands of jobs—was approved by Parliament on Tuesday after being postponed from the 7th January session due to the Education Minister's absence. Lawmakers argue the move is needed to curb reliance on foreign hires and get more local graduates into work.
Acting Labour Minister Yousef Khalaf assured MPs that the government is already laying the groundwork to help Bahrainis land these roles. 'We're putting together a training scheme with the Education Ministry to equip Bahrainis with the skills they need for jobs in private schools,' he said. 'The plan will be announced soon, and those keen to take part can sign up.'
Education Minister Mohammed Mubarak Juma said efforts were already in motion to keep Bahrainis in the sector. 'Tamkeen is still helping to cover the wages of Bahrainis working in private schools,' he said, stressing that keeping jobs steady was key. He also confirmed that his ministry and Tamkeen were keeping an eye on contract terminations. 'We're across every case and will step in when needed.'
Juma also addressed concerns over career progression, revealing that more than 5,300 education workers were promoted last year, including teachers, senior teachers, assistant principals, and principals. 'There are no promotions stuck in the pipeline,' he said. 'If a teacher has hit the top pay bracket or hasn't put in enough years yet, they're dealt with under the usual rules.'
MPs backing the proposal say the Education Ministry can't take in all the job seekers knocking on its door, so private institutions need to pull their weight. The plan now moves to the next legislative step before it can take effect.
Parliament's Services Committee came out in favour of the amendment, arguing that private institutions must shoulder more responsibility in addressing Bahrain's unemployment issues. Proponents of the law say it fills gaps in existing policies and ensures private schools contribute to hiring Bahrainis instead of relying heavily on expats.