Here’s How Many Expats Hold Legal Jobs in Bahrain in 2024

Bahrain’s latest labor statistics for 2024 show that the country remains heavily supported by its foreign workforce, with a total of 467,267 officially registered foreign workers. Of that number, around 90% were male—roughly 419,783 men—while 47,484 were women, making up about 10% of the total.

Most of these workers are within their prime working years, with 35% aged 30 to 39 and 29% aged 40 to 49, reflecting a mature and experienced labor population fueling Bahrain’s economy.

Bahrain Pushes for Better Labor Rights and Worker Mobility

Bahrain has earned a reputation in the region for its progressive labor policies. Under the 2012 Labour Law, both Bahraini and foreign workers are given equal rights in terms of pay, working hours, leave entitlements, end-of-service benefits, and safe working conditions.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the Ministry of Labour monitors all employment contracts and provides hotlines and labor offices to help workers report violations or unfair treatment.

Key Reforms: Flexible Permits and an End to Sponsorship Ties

One of Bahrain’s biggest labor reforms was the scrapping of the traditional sponsorship system, replacing it with a more flexible model that allows workers to legally switch jobs under certain rules. This shift has made it easier for employees to avoid exploitation and to find better job opportunities.

Another major step was the introduction of the Flexible Work Permit through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. This system gave undocumented or out-of-status workers a legal pathway to work, leading to fewer illegal employment cases and better regulation of the labor market.

What This Means for the Future

With more than 467,000 foreign workers now registered, Bahrain continues to show its reliance on skilled migrant labor while actively improving conditions and ensuring fair treatment through new labor laws and systems. The country’s recent reforms have made it a more secure and flexible place for foreign workers, and the numbers reflect just how central they are to the country’s workforce.