Bahrain's Pakistani Population: Size And Significance

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf with a population of 1.6 million people. Pakistanis in Bahrain comprise Pakistani expatriates, immigrants, and their locally born descendants. As of 2014, the population of Pakistanis in Bahrain was estimated to be 110,000, making them a significant minority in the country. The Pakistani community in Bahrain maintains a strong presence, with their own schools and community events, and they contribute significantly to the country's security forces.

Pakistanis in Bahrain make up 110,000 of the population

Bahrain has a population of 1,618,219 as of 2024, with non-nationals making up more than half of this figure. The country is densely populated, with 1,627 people per square kilometre. Most of the population is concentrated in the two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq.

The Pakistani community in Bahrain maintains two schools: the Pakistan School, Bahrain, and the Pakistan Urdu School. The Pakistan School is managed by a parent-elected board, with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as its patron-in-chief. The Pakistan Urdu School educates the youth of the Pakistani community.

For the welfare of the Pakistani community in Bahrain, the Pakistan Club has been established in Manama, the country's capital. The club holds various events, such as Iftar Nights and National Day celebrations.

Pakistanis are the second-largest expat community in Bahrain

Pakistanis in Bahrain comprise Pakistani people living as expatriates or immigrants, as well as their locally born descendants. As of 31 December 2014, the population of Pakistanis in Bahrain was estimated to be 110,000 by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation. This makes Pakistanis the second-largest expat community in Bahrain, after Indians who number about 290,000.

The Pakistani community in Bahrain maintains strong cultural ties to their homeland. They have established two schools: the Pakistan School, Bahrain, and the Pakistan Urdu School, which educate the Pakistani youth in the country. Additionally, the Pakistan Club in Manama holds various events such as Iftar Nights and National Day celebrations to foster community and connection among Pakistanis in Bahrain.

Bahrain has been a destination of interest for Pakistani travellers for many years. The country offers a range of visa options for Pakistani citizens, including visit visas for short vacations or extended stays, and electronic visas (e-Visas) that can be conveniently applied for online. The presence of Pakistanis in Bahrain dates back to 1950, and Bahrain is the first Arab country to grant citizenship to individuals who have served its government. It is estimated that up to 30,000 Pakistanis have obtained Bahraini citizenship.

Pakistanis contribute significantly to Bahrain's security forces, with an estimated 10,000 individuals serving in various roles. They work in the Bahrain National Guard, Bahrain Defence Force, and the Public Security Forces. Additionally, Pakistanis comprise a significant portion of the Bahrain police force, with an estimated 7,000 out of the 25,000-strong force.

Pakistanis in Bahrain work in security forces and defence forces

Pakistanis in Bahrain comprise Pakistani people living as expatriates or immigrants and their locally born descendants. The Pakistani community in Bahrain is sizable, with an estimated population of 110,000 as of 2014. The community is well-established, with its own schools and welfare organisations. Notably, a significant number of Pakistanis in Bahrain work in the country's security forces and defence forces.

The presence of Pakistanis in Bahrain dates back to 1950, and the country has a history of granting citizenship to those who have served in its armed forces. Bahrain is the first Arab country to offer citizenship to individuals serving its nation. Over time, up to 30,000 Pakistanis are believed to have acquired Bahraini citizenship.

In terms of their contribution to the security and defence sector, the majority of Pakistanis in Bahrain work in the Public Security Forces and the Bahrain Defence Force, providing vital support in maintaining the country's security. According to estimates, Pakistanis make up a considerable proportion of the Bahrain police force, with around 7,000 out of the 25,000 personnel. In total, almost 10,000 Pakistanis are estimated to serve across various Bahraini security forces.

The Pakistan army-affiliated Fauji Foundation and the Pakistan navy-affiliated Bahria Foundation have actively recruited Pakistani military personnel for the Bahrain National Guard. This recruitment drive gained momentum after the 2011 Bahraini protests, with advertisements targeting an additional 800 to 1,000 recruits in Pakistani newspapers. This recruitment drive was in addition to the existing conservative estimate of 2,000 Pakistanis already serving in the Bahrain Defence Force and Public Security Force.

The strong ties between the Pakistan army and the Bahrain National Guard further underscore the significant role that Pakistanis play in Bahrain's security landscape. The history of Pakistani expatriates in Bahrain's security forces is a testament to the contributions of the Pakistani community to their adopted country.

Pakistanis in Bahrain have their own community and schools

Pakistanis in Bahrain form a significant community, with an estimated population of 110,000 as of 2014. This includes expatriates, immigrants, and their locally-born descendants. The community is well-integrated into Bahraini life, with many Pakistani citizens having obtained Bahraini citizenship—estimated to be around 30,000. The community is served by the Pakistan Club in Manama, which organises events such as Iftar Nights and National Day celebrations.

The Pakistani community in Bahrain has a strong presence in the country's security forces, with the majority of Pakistanis working in the Public Security Forces and the Bahrain Defence Force. The Pakistan army and navy have also recruited Pakistani military personnel for the Bahrain National Guard. In total, almost 10,000 Pakistanis are estimated to contribute to Bahrain's security forces.

To cater to the educational needs of the community, Pakistanis in Bahrain maintain two schools: the Pakistan School, Bahrain, and the Pakistan Urdu School. The Pakistan School, founded in 1968, provides a world-class academic education from early years to high school. It focuses on nurturing students holistically, instilling a balanced approach to life, and developing their potential to meet future challenges. The school's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the 21st century and is administered by the Pakistani Federal Board. The school has a proud history of academic achievements, with students consistently producing outstanding results.

The Pakistan Urdu School educates the youth of the Pakistani community, ensuring that they receive an education rooted in their cultural heritage.

With a strong community presence, educational institutions, and integration into various aspects of Bahraini life, Pakistanis in Bahrain have established a vibrant and thriving presence in their adopted country.

Bahrain offers Pakistani citizens a streamlined visa application process

The population of Pakistanis in Bahrain is estimated to be 110,000 as of 31 December 2014, with up to 30,000 believed to have obtained Bahraini citizenship. Pakistani citizens make up a significant portion of Bahrain's security forces, with an estimated 10,000 serving across various branches.

For Pakistani citizens wishing to join their compatriots in Bahrain, the country offers a streamlined visa application process through its electronic visa or e-visa system. This system foregoes the traditional embassy visit for a physical visa, allowing applicants to obtain travel authorisation online before their trip. The e-visa application process is straightforward and consists of the following steps:

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a Bahrain e-visa, applicants must:

• Possess a valid Pakistani passport with at least six months remaining until expiration.
• Have a confirmed onward or return ticket if travelling as a tourist.
• Provide proof of accommodation in Bahrain, such as hotel bookings.
• Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Bahrain.

Required Documents:

• A scanned copy of the bio page from the passport.
• Flight booking details and accommodation proof.
• Bank statements and other financial documents to prove economic stability.

Application Process:

• Visit the Bahrain e-Visa Portal and access the application form.
• Complete the application form, filling in personal details, passport information, and travel plans accurately.
• Upload the necessary scanned documents, ensuring they meet the specified criteria for size and format.
• Pay the visa fee online through secure gateways and keep the payment receipt for documentation.
• Submit the application and use the provided application ID to track its progress.
• Once approved, print out the e-Visa to present at the airport and upon arrival in Bahrain.

The Bahrain e-Visa offers several processing time options: Standard (6-8 business days), Urgent (4-6 business days), and Super Urgent (2-4 business days), with corresponding fees. It is important to note that the Bahrain e-Visa can only be used to enter the country by air; for entry by land or sea, a traditional visa is required.

The e-Visa application process is designed to be quick and convenient, simplifying travel preparation for Pakistani citizens wishing to visit Bahrain for tourism, business, or to connect with their fellow community members.

Frequently asked questions