Bahrain: A Comfortable Haven For Indian Expats?

Bahrain, a small island country in the Gulf, has long been a popular destination for Indian expats. In fact, Indians make up the largest expat group in the country, with around 350,000 Indian nationals living there and constituting 30% of the total population. The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back to 3000 BCE, when ancient trade links were established between the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain. In more recent times, Indian merchants began settling in Bahrain in the late 19th century, and the discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a further influx of Indian immigrants. Today, Indian expats play a vital role in Bahrain's economy and society, with many working in the construction, healthcare, finance, and education sectors. The Bahraini government has also recognised the contributions of the Indian community, and the two countries continue to maintain strong ties.

Indian expats in Bahrain: work and visas

Bahrain has long been a favourite destination for Indian expats, with Indians constituting 30% of the country's total population and forming the largest expatriate community in the country. The Kingdom of Bahrain has been exceptionally welcoming to Indians, and this is reflected in the fact that there are around 350,000 Indians currently living there.

The Indian community in Bahrain has created a substantial imprint on the social milieu of the country, and there is a notable presence of Indians across various sectors of the economy. The majority of the Indian community members are from Kerala, followed by Tamil Nadu, and the rest are from Maharashtra, Goa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Work

Sectors of Work

65-70% of the Indian expatriate workforce in Bahrain is employed in the construction, contracting, and maintenance sectors. There is also a small number of Indian housemaids, estimated at around 12,000-15,000, who come from various states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa. In addition, there are a sizable number of Indian professionals in Bahrain, including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, managers, and others who play a vital role in the country's socio-economic development.

Business Organisations

Indian workers are highly regarded in Bahrain for their conduct, loyalty, higher productivity, and non-involvement in local affairs. It is rare to find a Bahraini business organisation that does not have a senior or middle-level Indian employee playing an important role in its operations. Top Bahraini business houses, banks, and finance companies have Indians in their senior or middle management cadres.

Wages

While there is no minimum wage law for expatriate workers in Bahrain, the government of Bahrain has recently fixed a minimum wage for Bahraini nationals at 300 BHD per month. Expatriates face only minor deductions from their monthly salary, such as 1% of their basic salary towards unemployment insurance.

Sponsorship

The current system of entry into Bahrain for employment is through sponsorship. The sponsor can be an individual, a business house, an organisation, or even a diplomatic mission. In the case of employment visas, the sponsor is responsible for arranging the residence permit, insurance, etc. However, this system has led to complaints of exploitation, with sponsors retaining employees' passports, delaying or denying payment of salaries, and making unauthorised deductions from salaries.

Visas

Work Visas

To get a job in Bahrain, you need a valid work visa, but you cannot apply for one without a confirmed job offer. Most expats working in Bahrain have been recruited outside the country by a headhunter or agency, or have been transferred by their company. Nearly all expatriates are on fixed-term contracts, and casual or temporary work is hard to find.

Golden Residency Visa

Bahrain has launched a Golden Residency Visa programme for current residents and foreign nationals seeking to stay or invest in the country for an extended period.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)

The LMRA is a legal entity that regulates labour activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including issuing work permits, entry visas, and residency permits for expatriate employees. They also educate expatriate employees and their families about their rights, which include safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and access to medical care. The LMRA has positively impacted the Kingdom's reputation as a decent country to work in, where employees enjoy flexibility, justice, and the safeguarding of their rights.

Indian culture and community in Bahrain

Bahrain has long been a favourite destination for Indian expatriates, with Indian nationals constituting 30% of the country's total population and the largest expat community in Bahrain. The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back to the time of the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, when it served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilisation. The presence of a large Indian community in Bahrain has created a substantial and visible imprint on the country's social milieu and constitutes an important link between the two countries.

Indian merchants first established themselves in Bahrain in the late 19th century, with many families originating from the Sindh province and the Kathiawad region of Gujarat. By 1925, there were around 2,500 Indian families settled in the country, most of whom were involved in the retail sector. The discovery of oil in 1932 and the subsequent expansion of Bahrain's economy led to a greater number of Indians immigrating to the country to start businesses or take up jobs in various sectors.

Today, there are about 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, with the majority coming from the state of Kerala, followed by Tamil Nadu, and the remaining from various other states in India. While 70% of the Indian community work in the construction sector, there are also a significant number of professionals such as doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, and managers who play a vital role in Bahrain's economic development.

The socio-cultural aspects of Bahrain also make it a favourable destination for Indian expatriates. Bahrain's philosophy of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence allows the Indian community a great deal of freedom for social and religious activities. There are multiple non-Muslim places of worship in the country, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, five churches, and six Gurudwaras. All major Indian festivals are celebrated in Bahrain and are often participated in by Bahrainis, including members of the royal family.

There are 32 registered Indian cultural organisations and 68 unregistered socio-cultural organisations and clubs in Bahrain, providing opportunities for Indians to promote Indian art and culture, including classical dances, music, and art. The presence of Indian schools offering the CBSE curriculum and Indian associations under the umbrella group of the Co-ordination Committee of Indian Associations (CCIA) further contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indian culture in Bahrain.

The Indian community in Bahrain has created a substantial impact on the country, and the goodwill between the two countries is evident through the close connections between prominent figures in Bahrain and India, as well as the recognition of the Indian community's contributions to Bahrain's history and progress.

Religion and religious tolerance in Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf with a population of around 1.4 million to 1.5 million people. The country's constitution declares that Islam is the official religion, with Sharia law serving as the principal source for legislation. However, it also provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and the freedom to perform and express religious beliefs and opinions, as long as they do not infringe on Islamic doctrine.

Religious Demography

Muslims constitute the majority of Bahrain's citizen population, with estimates ranging from 99% to 70.2%. The country's Muslim population is predominantly Shia, with estimates suggesting they form a slight majority over Sunnis. Foreign residents, who make up a significant portion of the total population, are mostly migrant workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other Arab countries. Among this group, approximately 45% are Muslim, while 55% follow other religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Religious Freedom and Tolerance

The Bahraini government generally respects religious freedom and promotes peaceful coexistence among different faiths. All religious groups must obtain a license from the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs (MOJIA) to operate. The government allows religious-based political organisations to register and participate in political activities. Additionally, the country hosts places of worship for various religions, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, churches, and gurudwaras.

Bahrain has a history of religious tolerance, and followers of minority religions can practice their faith privately without interference from the government. They are also permitted to maintain their places of worship and display religious symbols. During his visit to Bahrain, the Prime Minister of India announced a redevelopment project for the Shrinathji (Krishna) Temple.

However, there have been reports of restrictions and discrimination against the Shia Muslim community, particularly in recruitment for the military and security services. Additionally, the government monitors and regulates religious sermons, and there have been instances of clerics and community members being questioned, detained, and arrested for their religious expressions.

Conversion and Societal Respect

While conversion to Islam from other religions is not uncommon, conversion away from Islam is generally not tolerated by society. Individuals who leave Islam may face social ostracism, discrimination, and even physical abuse.

Despite these challenges, Bahrain is known for its relatively high degree of societal tolerance towards different religious beliefs and traditions. Minority religious groups can openly practice their faith and maintain their cultural identities. During major religious holidays, such as Christmas, Diwali, and Holi, decorations, foods, and celebrations are widely visible and accepted.

Women in Bahrain: rights and lifestyle

Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern country off the coast of the Arab Peninsula. It is made up of Bahrain Island and 30 smaller islands. Due to its coastal location, Bahrain has access to a wide range of influences, making it more ethnically and religiously diverse than its neighbours.

Rights

Historically, women in Bahrain have faced widespread discrimination and had no political rights. However, since 1999, the political and economic reforms of hereditary leader Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa have sparked improvements in women's rights. In 2002, women were given the right to vote and stand in elections, and the constitution was amended to set women equal to men, guaranteeing gender equality in "political, social and economic spheres, without breaching the provisions of Islamic law".

In 2005, Bahrain joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), an international treaty from the United Nations that defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets an agenda to eliminate it. However, Bahrain joined with reservations about CEDAW's articles that contradicted Sharia law.

In 2006, Bahrain appointed Haya Rashid Al Khalifa as President of the United Nations General Assembly, making her the first Middle Eastern woman and the third woman in history to take over the post.

In 2007, women made up 72% of the students at Arabian Gulf University and 67% of the University of Bahrain, although they often do not go on to work due to strong traditional values and a lack of relevant subjects available to female students.

In 2018, Bahraini citizens elected six women to the country's lower house of Parliament, setting a record for the number of elected female representatives.

However, there are still no laws in Bahrain to protect women against domestic violence, and several laws that are discriminatory towards women remain in place. For example, a woman's testimony is worth half of a man's in Islamic court, and spousal rape is legal.

Lifestyle

The traditional garments of women in Bahrain include the jellabiya, a long, loose dress, and they may practice the muhtashima, partially covering their hair, or the muhajiba, fully covering it.

In the past, women's roles depended on their husband's jobs. For example, women married to fishermen were expected to clean and sell the fish. In towns and cities, women were typically assigned to do housework and take care of children.

In recent years, women have had opportunities to move away from these traditional roles and pursue careers in fields such as education, medicine, nursing, banking, and veterinary science.

Bahraini women are renowned for their expertise in traditional textile embroidery, and there are several worship places for different religions, including a 200-year-old Hindu Temple, five churches, and three gurudwaras.

Bahrain's relationship with India

Bahrain and India have a long history of relations, with evidence of trade between the two nations dating back to the Dilmun and Indus Valley Civilizations, around 5,000 years ago. Ancient Bahraini traders are believed to have traded pearls for spices with India. In more recent history, Indian merchants began to settle in Bahrain in the late 19th century, and by 1925, nearly 2,500 Indian families had made the country their home.

Today, India and Bahrain have strong political, socio-economic, military, and cultural ties. India is a close ally of Bahrain, and the two countries have signed numerous agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their relationship. In 2014, the two nations signed several MoUs, including agreements on cooperation in the field of youth and sports, and between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India, and the Diplomatic Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain. During the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bahrain in 2019, the two countries signed three MoUs on space, culture, the International Solar Alliance, and the RuPay card.

The Indian community in Bahrain is the largest expat community in the country, with Indian nationals comprising nearly a quarter of Bahrain's total population. Indian expatriates work across various sectors, including construction, contracting, maintenance, healthcare, education, and finance. The presence of a large Indian community in Bahrain has created important socio-cultural links between the two countries. Indians in Bahrain have the freedom to practice their social and religious customs, with several places of worship, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple. Indian festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm, and there are numerous Indian community associations and clubs that promote Indian art and culture.

Bilateral trade between India and Bahrain is significant, with India being among the top five trading partners of Bahrain. Major exports from India to Bahrain include agricultural products, machinery, engineering goods, jewellery, and polymers. Meanwhile, Bahrain exports to India include urea, methanol, mineral fuel, and iron ore. Indian investment in Bahrain has been growing, with the country being the 6th largest investor in Bahrain, primarily in sectors such as financial services, real estate, hospitality, health, IT, and education.

Overall, the relationship between Bahrain and India is marked by strong political, economic, and cultural ties, with a large Indian expat community contributing to the social and economic fabric of Bahrain.

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