The latest labor statistics for 2024 show that Bahrain hosted over 467,000 officially registered foreign workers, reflecting the country’s continued reliance on a diverse and active workforce. Out of this total, around 90 percent were men, with approximately 419,783 male workers, and 10 percent were women, totaling around 47,484. A large portion of this workforce falls within the 30 to 49 age group. About 35 percent are between 30 and 39 years old, while 29 percent are between 40 and 49. This indicates a mature and experienced labor population contributing to Bahrain’s various sectors.
Bahrain is known in the region for its progressive labor laws. The 2012 Labour Law ensures equal rights and responsibilities for both Bahraini and foreign workers. These rights cover areas such as salaries, working hours, holidays, end-of-service benefits, and workplace safety. All employment contracts are monitored by the Ministry of Labour, which also offers multiple ways for workers to file complaints, including hotlines and labor offices, to make sure workers are treated fairly and violations are properly addressed. In recent years, Bahrain has made major reforms to support its labor force.
One key change was ending the traditional sponsorship system and introducing a more flexible structure that allows workers to move between employers under clear regulations. This change has helped protect workers from exploitation and improved their ability to work freely and legally. The country also introduced the Flexible Work Permit system through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. This gave many workers who were previously undocumented or out of legal status the opportunity to regularize their situation and work legally in Bahrain. As a result, there has been a noticeable decrease in illegal employment and better oversight of working conditions.
A Diverse Country!
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