Indian Expats In Bahrain: A Large And Vibrant Community

Indians have been migrating to Bahrain since 3000 BCE, when the Dilmun civilisation served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. In modern times, the proper immigration of Indians to Bahrain began in the late 19th century, with merchants from British India arriving and trading dates and pearls. Today, there are approximately 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, constituting the largest expatriate group in the country and forming around 30% of the total population.

Indian expats in Bahrain: social clubs and community groups

Indian expatriates in Bahrain constitute around 30% of the country's total population, making them the largest expatriate community in the country. There are about 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, with the majority hailing from Kerala, followed by Tamil Nadu, and the rest from other Indian states.

The Indian community in Bahrain has established numerous social clubs and community groups to foster connections and provide support for Indian expats in the country. These organisations also play a crucial role in promoting Indian culture and traditions, as well as offering assistance to those in need.

• Bahrain Indian Expats: This community organises social events, cultural festivals, picnics, and charity initiatives. They provide a platform for Indian expats to connect, socialise, and share advice and information about living in Bahrain.
• Co-ordination Committee of Indian Associations (CCIA): CCIA is an umbrella group that coordinates various events for the Indian community, such as the Indian Republic Day celebrations. They also extend support during tragedies, such as providing relief for Indian workers in the Bahrain boat disaster.
• Indian Club: Founded in 1915 as the Bahrain Sports Club, it is the country's oldest and largest Indian social club, with over 4,000 members.
• Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam: Established in 1947, this association specifically caters to the cultural and social needs of Indians from Kerala.
• Religious and Cultural Institutions: There are multiple places of worship for the Indian community, including a 200-year-old Shrinathji temple, five churches, and six Gurudwaras. These institutions provide a sense of community and allow for the free practice of religious and cultural traditions.
• Indian Schools: There are eight Indian schools in Bahrain, including The Indian School, established in 1950, which is the biggest community school in the Gulf region. These schools cater to the educational needs of Indian expatriate children and promote Indian culture and curriculum.

These social clubs and community groups play a vital role in fostering a sense of community, preserving cultural heritage, and providing support for Indian expatriates in Bahrain. They create opportunities for social interaction, cultural expression, and mutual assistance, contributing to a strong and vibrant Indian diaspora in the country.

Indian expats in Bahrain: work and employment

Bahrain has long been a popular destination for Indian expatriates, with a large community of around 350,000 Indian nationals residing in the country, constituting the largest expatriate group in Bahrain. This significant Indian presence has had a noticeable impact on the social fabric of Bahrain.

History

The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back to the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, when trade links were established between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilisation. However, proper Indian immigration to Bahrain began in the late 19th century, with merchants from British India, known as Banyans, settling in the country. These early Indian merchants traded dates and pearls, and by 1925, there were approximately 2,500 Indian families in Bahrain, most of whom worked in the retail sector.

The discovery of oil in Bahrain between 1932 and 1945 significantly increased the demand for manpower, leading to a larger influx of Indian workers. Following World War II, Bahrain's economy expanded due to the oil boom, attracting more Indians seeking employment opportunities or aiming to start their own businesses. This trend continued, and by the 1950s, the Bahrain Petroleum Company employed over 600 Indians.

Current Employment Landscape

Today, the Indian expatriate workforce in Bahrain continues to play a vital role in the country's economy. Over 65% of Indian expats are employed in the construction, contracting, and maintenance sectors, constituting the majority of blue-collar workers in the country. Additionally, there is a significant number of Indians working in domestic services, with an estimated 12,000-15,000 housemaids, mostly originating from Andhra Pradesh or Telangana.

However, it is important to note that Indians in Bahrain are not limited to blue-collar jobs. There is a sizeable number of white-collar Indian professionals who hold important positions in various sectors. These include doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, managers, pharmacists, physicians, and scientists. Indians are well-regarded in Bahrain for their strong work ethic, integrity, and apolitical approach, making them a preferred choice in the expatriate workforce.

Social and Cultural Impact

The large Indian community in Bahrain has left an indelible mark on the country's social and cultural landscape. Indian expatriates are actively involved in socio-cultural associations and clubs, promoting Indian art, culture, and classical dances and music. There are also Indian schools in Bahrain that cater to the educational needs of Indian expatriate children, offering the CBSE curriculum. Additionally, the Bahraini philosophy of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence has allowed the Indian community the freedom to practice their religious and social activities, further enhancing the diverse fabric of the country.

Indian expats in Bahrain: history

The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back to the time of the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, when there was a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. However, proper immigration of Indians to Bahrain started much later, in the late quarter of the 19th century, with merchants arriving from British India. Today, there are about 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, making them the largest expatriate group in the country, constituting 30% of the total population.

Initially, Indian merchants in Bahrain traded dates, though most later entered the pearling business and helped to export pearls to the world market. These merchant families originated from the Sindh province and the Kathiawad region of Gujarat. By 1925, it was estimated that there were 2,500 Indian families settled in the country, most of whom were involved in the retail sector.

The discovery and refinement of oil in Bahrain between 1932 and 1945 led to a demand for manpower in the oil sector, which attracted a greater number of Indian workers to immigrate to the country. Following World War II and the subsequent expansion of Bahrain's economy due to the oil boom, an even larger number of Indians emigrated to the country to start businesses and fill manpower demands as workers, managers, and salesmen. By the 1950s, the Bahrain Petroleum Company, the country's sole oil company, had employed more than 600 Indians.

A rough estimate suggested that the number of migrant workers from the state of Kerala in Bahrain increased from 1,000 in 1958 to almost 5,000 in 1981. This figure has increased significantly over time, with 101,556 Indian nationals from Kerala in the country in 2011, forming the majority of Indian nationals in Bahrain.

Today, Indians in Bahrain work in various sectors, with 70% employed in the construction sector. There are also many Indian professionals in the country, including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, and managers, who play a vital role in Bahrain's economic development. The Bahraini leadership publicly acknowledges the contributions of the Indian community to the country's development and has worked to ensure their safety and welfare.

Indian expats in Bahrain: language and culture

Bahrain, a small island country in the Persian Gulf, has long been a popular destination for Indian expatriates. With a population of around 1.4 million, Indians make up approximately 30% of the total population, constituting the largest expat community in the country, with approximately 350,000 Indian nationals calling Bahrain home. The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back millennia to the time of the Dilmun civilisation around 3000 BCE, when trade links were established between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation.

Language

While Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, English is also widely spoken, which has made it easier for Indian expatriates to adapt to life in the country. In addition, the presence of a large Indian community means that there are plenty of opportunities for Indians in Bahrain to socialise and connect with fellow expats from their native land. The InterNations community, for example, is a trusted platform for Indian expatriates in Bahrain to network and socialise with other Indians, whether it's to play tennis, attend cultural events, or simply to chat in their native language.

Culture

The Indian community in Bahrain has created a substantial imprint on the country's social milieu. The Bahraini philosophy of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence has made it a favourite destination for Indian expatriates. Indians in Bahrain enjoy a great deal of freedom to practise their social and religious traditions. There are numerous places of worship for different religions, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, five churches, and several Gurudwaras. All major Indian festivals are celebrated in Bahrain with enthusiasm, not just by Indians but also by locals, including members of the royal family.

There are also 30 registered Indian socio-cultural associations/clubs and an equal number of unregistered ones, providing opportunities for the Indian community to promote Indian art and culture, including classical dances, music, and art. Additionally, there are eight Indian schools in Bahrain that cater to the educational needs of Indian expatriate children and have also gained recognition among Bahrainis.

Indian expats in Bahrain: religion and places of worship

Bahrain is a small island country with a population of 1.4 million, 30% of whom are Indian expats, making them the largest expatriate community in the country. The Indian community in Bahrain is permitted a great deal of freedom for social and religious activities. This social and religious freedom, along with Bahrain's philosophy of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, is one of the reasons Indians choose Bahrain as a favourite destination for working as expatriates.

Religion

The Constitution of Bahrain states that Islam is the official religion and that Shari'a (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation. However, Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings. The Bahraini citizens of Muslim faith belong to the Shi'a and Sunni branches of Islam. In 2010, 99.8% of citizens were Muslim, although this number falls to 70.2% when the non-national population is included. Of the non-Muslim population, 45% are Muslim and 55% are non-Muslim, including Christians (primarily Catholic, Protestant, Malankara Orthodox, and Mar Thoma from South India), Hindus, Baháʼís, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

Places of Worship

There are multiple non-Muslim places of worship in Bahrain, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, five churches, and three to six Gurudwaras. The country's oldest and largest Indian social club is the Indian Club, established in 1915 as the Bahrain Sports Club. There are also 30 registered Indian community socio-cultural associations/clubs and an equal number of unregistered associations/clubs in Bahrain, which promote Indian art and culture.

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