Bahrain Mandates 21-Day Wait Before Companies Can Hire Expats

Private companies must advertise jobs locally and give Bahrainis priority before bringing in foreign workers.

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If you’re a private company in Bahrain looking to hire from abroad, you’ll need to slow down first.

The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that employers must advertise vacancies locally for seven days and then allow a full 21-day window for Bahraini applicants before requesting approval to hire expatriate workers.

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Bahrainis Get First Shot

The rule was outlined in a written response to MP Mohammed Al Rifai. According to the ministry, the goal is simple: give citizens priority access to private-sector jobs.

All suitable vacancies must be posted on the National Employment Platform so Bahrainis can apply. The ministry also said it works with training institutions and employers to better match local talent with market needs.

Over 500,000 Expats in Private Sector

Here’s where things stand:

505,998 expatriates are currently employed in Bahrain’s private sector on valid work permits.
As of October 2025, 11,437 commercial-sector expats and 5,748 domestic workers were holding expired permits and had not left the country.

Which Sectors Rely Most on Foreign Workers?

Trade and vehicle repair leads the list with 124,503 expatriate workers. Construction follows closely at 118,666.

Other major sectors include:

Accommodation and food services: 63,881
Manufacturing: 54,022
Administrative and support services: 40,104
Professional, scientific and technical activities: 26,441

The ministry also noted that 152,106 expatriates in the commercial sector have stayed with the same employer for more than five years.

What About Salary Data?

The ministry said it does not hold detailed wage band figures for expatriates and Bahrainis in the private sector. Salary data is recorded by other government entities, and pay often changes after hiring.

Bottom line: if you’re hiring in Bahrain’s private sector, locals get first priority — and companies must follow the 21-day rule before looking overseas.