Employment and Retirement

In the Kingdom of Bahrain, the development of human capital stands as a primary pillar of economic growth. The government’s strategic investments in the labor market focus on equipping Bahrain’s workforce with essential skills, up-to-date knowledge, and specialized training. These initiatives ensure that employees are prepared to meet the evolving demands of employers and the broader market. Central to this approach is the National Labour Market Plan 2023–2026, which emphasizes job creation, particularly within the private sector, and aims to reduce cost disparities between Bahraini and foreign workers. The plan focuses on aligning education with market needs, fostering private sector partnerships, and creating high-quality jobs.

As part of the broader Economic Recovery Plan led by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy (MOFNE), the Ministry of Labour is actively working to employ 20,000 Bahrainis and provide training for 10,000 job seekers annually.

This vision is intricately connected to Bahrain’s overarching economic agenda and reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for all.

Bahrain’s workforce is known for its youth, technological proficiency, and bilingual talent pool. These attributes make the Kingdom an attractive destination for global businesses seeking a skilled workforce. The government’s ongoing investment in human capital, supported by continuous education and training, aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. This strategic vision aims to cultivate a workforce that can adapt to global economic shifts, further establishing Bahrain as a regional leader in human capital development.

In 2006, Bahrain introduced its unemployment insurance law, extending protection to both national and expatriate workers in the public and private sectors, as well as unemployed youth seeking their first job. This comprehensive scheme has significantly narrowed the gap in access to unemployment protection between Bahraini nationals and expatriate workers. Two types of benefits are offered under this law: a compensation benefit for those who have lost their jobs and an unemployment aid benefit for first-time Bahraini job seekers, through engaging private sector for employment and providing financial support for job seekers, including monthly stipends

To support national skills employment, the government has established the Talent Portal, which serves as a direct communication channel linking jobseekers—both citizens and expatriates—with private sector employers. The National Employment Program ePortal further encourages private enterprises to hire Bahraini nationals, offering wage support for up to three years. This program helps graduates and jobseekers, nominated by the Ministry of Labour, to gain meaningful employment while also supporting enterprises in building productive teams.

The National Platform for Bahraini Experts ePortal is a strategic initiative under the Ministry of Labour. It provides a robust database of Bahraini experts and specialists across various fields, both inside and outside the Kingdom. The platform elevates national expertise by facilitating knowledge transfer and recognizing outstanding talent, fostering the sustainable development of human resources.

The Employability Skills Portal has been launched also as a strategic initiative to provide accurate and insightful labor market information in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It supports students, parents, job seekers, employees, training providers, and employers in aligning with market demands and addressing skills gaps. This initiative aims to enhance workforce readiness and promote sustainable employment across the national economy.

Bahrain’s welcoming environment and robust legal framework attract expatriate employees from around the world. The Kingdom’s openness to diverse cultures, along with legislation that ensures justice and fairness in the workplace, enhances its reputation as a global employment hub. Expatriates’ rights and obligations are safeguarded under labour market regulations, ensuring a fair and equitable working relationship.

Social insurance is mandatory for all Bahraini nationals, guaranteeing them social security benefits. Expatriates, meanwhile, are covered by the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) for retirement, work injury and unemployment. Although pension plans are limited to national workforce, Bahraini labour law stipulates a statutory end-of-service indemnity for expatriate employee. Pension calculations for Bahrainis are based on average monthly earnings over the last five years of contributions, with a minimum of 20 years of insured employment required for a full pension at normal retirement age.

Employment Security for All: Bahrain’s Digital Unemployment Insurance Access
Individuals can conveniently follow up on their grievances and inquiries related to unemployment insurance through Bahrain’s automated digital system, ensuring transparent and timely responses.
Employment Security for All: Bahrain’s Digital Unemployment Insurance Access

From Start to Retirement: Bahrain’s Pathway to Professional Success
The National Employment Program is available for Bahraini nationals aged 18 and above. Eligible individuals must be registered with SIO post-employment, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their career journey.
National Employment Program

Bahrain’s Private Sector Jobs Hub: A Gateway to New Opportunities
Jobseekers can submit and update employment applications and monitor their progress seamlessly through the dedicated platform.
Private Sector Jobs Hub

Workforce in Focus: Bahrain’s Insured Workers eService
Employers benefit from digital services that enable them to manage financial transactions, registrations, and annual salary updates through the Social Insurance Organization portal.
Insured Workers eService

Careers in Service: Bahrain’s Civil Service Bureau Digital Gateway
Registered employees in the Civil Service Bureau can view and update personal information, access salary slips, request certificates, and register for eTraining courses through the digital gateway.
Civil Service Bureau Digital Gateway

Managing the Workforce: LMRA Services for Employers and Employees
Employers and expatriate workers benefit from advanced digital services, such as obtaining work permits for Golden Visa holders, using secure access methods.
LMRA Services

Worker Compensation Benefits
Retirees can manage retirement options and request the continuation of their pension benefits through a streamlined digital process.
Worker Compensation Benefits

Request for Retirement Transition
Private sector workers can calculate their expected pension amount and receive guidance on optimal retirement dates using this dedicated service.
Retirement Transition