BD500 Fee Imposed on Private Schools Missing Bahrainisation Quotas for Expat Permits

The Bahraini government has announced a BD500 fee for each foreign-worker permit issued to private schools that fail to meet Bahrainisation quotas. This policy targets the localization of teaching roles, particularly for Arabic, Islamic, and social studies educators, while channeling 80% of the fees collected from foreign labor permits through Tamkeen, the Labour Fund, to support national employment initiatives.

In response to parliamentary inquiries, officials confirmed that private schools receive lists of qualified Bahraini teachers and are encouraged to prioritize hiring nationals. The government highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the national teaching workforce, including the teacher apprenticeship program at Bahrain Teachers College. In 2024, over 600 Bahrainis have been employed by private schools a notable increase compared to previous years.

The BD500 fee is part of a broader strategy to align education sector hiring with Bahrain’s labor market needs by motivating employers to focus on recruiting Bahraini nationals. Additionally, authorities are working to expand training and certification pathways required for teaching in private institutions to ensure a qualified local workforce.

Bahrainisation quotas vary by sector and the level of Bahraini interest in available jobs. Private schools that do not meet their assigned quotas will incur the BD500 charge per expat work permit, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national workforce development and reducing reliance on foreign labor