“Bahrainisation,” which is used to describe requirements for employing Bahranian nationals, is now being applied to the healthcare sector. On March 5, 2019, the government passed Law No. (1) of 2019, which amended Article 14 of Law No. (21) of 2015 Concerning Private Health Institutions to make the employment of physicians, paraprofessionals, and nurses in private health institutions a priority for Bahraini nationals, with the exception of roles that require a special expertise that is rare and unavailable. The prioritisation of roles for Bahraini nationals is obligatory upon the expiration of contracts with expatriate workers.

Comment

Employers in the healthcare sector may want to review roles currently occupied by expatriates and put in place measures to recruit Bahrain nationals to replace expatriates.

Written by Zahir Qayum of Al Tamimi & Co., KSA and Roger James of Ogletree Deakins

© 2020 Al Tamimi & Co., KSA and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.