Bahrain’s Parliament is taking firm action to protect local jobs. In a recent session, the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee approved a key legal proposal. The session focused on Bahrain’s employment protection law, which aims to amend the existing Foreigners Law.
The proposed amendment would add a new Article 7 bis to the 1965 Immigration and Residence Law. This new article intends to prevent converting entry visas into work permits. Lawmakers believe this step is crucial to preserving job opportunities for Bahraini citizens.
The committee chose to support the House of Representatives’ original decision on the law. After the discussion, members agreed to submit their report directly to the Bureau for further processing.
According to the committee, this law addresses two major concerns. First, it seeks to lower the unemployment rate among Bahraini nationals. Second, it aims to ensure that local talent remains the top priority for employers across all sectors.
Moreover, lawmakers argued that visa misuse often leads to labor market saturation. As a result, qualified citizens face tougher competition for available jobs. This proposal, therefore, strengthens Bahrain’s employment protection law and encourages workforce nationalization.
In the same session, the committee reviewed another motion. This proposal aimed to ban delivery motorcycles from operating on main roads. However, after discussion, members chose to reject the idea. They believed that road safety concerns should be addressed through regulation, not bans.
This committee includes several dedicated parliamentarians focused on national interest. Their discussions reflect a balanced approach between economic needs and social stability. They continue to prioritize citizen welfare in all legislative reviews.
Looking ahead, the committee remains committed to advancing legal frameworks that secure jobs for locals. By reinforcing Bahrain’s employment protection law, the country sends a strong message about its labor priorities.
