Private Schools in Bahrain Face BD500 Fee per Expat Permit for Missing Bahrainisation Quotas

Bahrain has announced that private schools failing to meet Bahrainisation quotas will now be charged BD500 for each foreign-worker permit, in a move aimed at increasing national employment in the education sector.

The initiative supports the localization of Arabic, Islamic, and social studies teachers, while ensuring that 80% of foreign labor fees are redirected through Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labour Fund, to enhance national workforce participation.

In its official response to Parliament, the government emphasized that private schools receive lists of qualified Bahraini teachers and are encouraged to prioritize hiring nationals.

According to the government statement, the 80% share of fees paid for expat labor is routed through the Labour Fund Tamkeen to support hiring in the private sector.

Officials also noted that national teaching capacity is being reinforced through the teacher apprenticeship program at Bahrain Teachers College, which has seen over 600 Bahrainis employed in private schools in 2024, marking a steady rise compared to previous years.

The policy aims to align education outcomes with labor-market needs while urging employers to increase local recruitment and reduce reliance on foreign labor.

Efforts are also underway with educational authorities to expand training programs and teaching certifications that qualify Bahrainis to work in private institutions.

Bahrainisation quotas apply across multiple sectors, including education, and are adjusted based on the availability and interest of Bahraini candidates in specific roles. Where institutions fail to meet these quotas, the BD500 fee per expat work permit will be imposed.

The government says the move is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and locally driven education workforce, ensuring that Bahrainis play a greater role in shaping the country’s future classrooms.