Finding Jobs In Bahrain: A Guide For Kenyans

If you're looking to move from Kenya to Bahrain for work, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, finding work in Bahrain as a foreigner is not easy, and you'll need a work visa, residency permit, and a CPR card, which is a form of identification. To improve your chances, consider jobs in the hospitality industry, as there are often vacancies for foreigners in this sector. You can also look for jobs through online job portals, such as Gulf Talent and Bayt, or through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Talent Portal if you're already an expatriate in Bahrain. Additionally, if you're a native English speaker, teaching English could be an option, with sites like ESL Employment and Total ESL offering a range of job postings.

Job sites to use

There are several job sites you can use to find work in Bahrain from Kenya. Here are some options to explore:

General Job Search Engines

• Gulf Talent: This site offers a range of good quality, professional job opportunities in Bahrain.
• Bayt: One of the top job search websites in the Middle East.
• Learn 4 Good: While it primarily focuses on teaching opportunities, it also has vacancies in other sectors.
• Monster Gulf: Monster is a well-known job search brand that has been around for a long time. Their Gulf-specific site includes jobs in Bahrain.
• Career Jet: This popular job search engine includes job options in Bahrain.
• Indeed: Indeed has a Bahrain-specific version of its site, where you can search for jobs in the country.
• Naukri: This site features a wide range of job postings, including those in Bahrain.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Job Sites

If you are a native English speaker, teaching English could be an option. The following sites specialise in TEFL job postings:

• ESL Employment: While the interface may not be the most attractive, ESL Employment offers a large number of English teaching job options.
• Total ESL: Another site with a busy interface, Total ESL also has a wealth of job postings for teaching jobs, including in Bahrain.
• ESL Cafe: ESL Cafe curates some of the best job openings from around the world, including in Bahrain.
• Tesall: A large aggregator of teaching jobs, including those in Bahrain.
• Footprints Recruiting: One of the largest recruiters for ESL teaching jobs.

Other Job Portals

• Just Landed: A one-stop shop for information and job opportunities in Bahrain.
• EFinancialCareers: A search engine specialising in finance jobs, including some in Bahrain.
• Overseas Jobs: This site has been around for a while and includes job postings in Bahrain.
• Go Abroad: In addition to providing useful information on visas and embassies, GoAbroad also has a good job portal with opportunities in Bahrain.
• LinkedIn: This professional social network allows you to build contacts and find job opportunities in Bahrain.

Required documents

To get a job in Bahrain as a foreigner, you will need to obtain a work visa, a residency permit, and a CPR card (an identification document).

If you are a citizen, you can apply for a job in the private sector by filling out a Ministry of Labour employment form, which is available at recruitment and training centres located throughout the Kingdom's governorates. Alternatively, you can register via the 'Job Seekers Services' on the National Portal, bahrain.bh.

For public sector jobs, you can apply online via the 'Apply for Government Job' service on the National Portal, which allows citizens to access advertised vacancies and submit applications to the government.

If you are an expatriate residing in Bahrain, you can search for jobs via the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Talent Portal, which connects job seekers with private sector employers. If you are a foreigner/expatriate outside of Bahrain, you can apply for vacancies via job listings on dedicated platforms, newspapers, or accredited international labour offices.

Job sectors with opportunities

While finding work in Bahrain as a foreigner is not easy, there are still opportunities in various sectors. Here are some job sectors in Bahrain that offer opportunities for foreigners:

Hospitality

Bahrain's hospitality industry offers quite a few job opportunities for foreigners. This includes jobs in hotels, resorts, and restaurants. For instance, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is hiring a Security Guard in Muharraq, Muharraq Governorate, Bahrain.

Education

There are also openings in the education sector. The American University of Bahrain (AUBH), for example, has posted jobs for an Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant to the President, and Academic Administrative Assistant.

Finance

Fintech is another area with potential job prospects. In Manama, Bahrain's capital, there are openings for Fintech Support Trainees and Relationship Managers.

Sales and Retail

Sales and retail is another sector with opportunities. In Manama, there are job postings for Sales Associates and Assistant Store Managers.

Human Resources

If you have experience in human resources, there are openings for HR Services Specialists in Manama.

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is another field with potential job opportunities. For example, Marriott International is hiring for an IT Assistant in Manama.

Administrative Support

There are also openings for administrative support roles. The Royal University for Women in Riffa, Bahrain, is hiring an Administrative Officer, and the American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is looking for an Academic Administrative Assistant.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector in Bahrain also offers job opportunities. There are openings for USRNs in Manama, and a hospital near New York City is hiring for its MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit).

Government and Diplomacy

Finally, there are job opportunities in government and diplomacy. The US Embassy in Bahrain regularly posts available positions, including internships and fellowships for students and graduates.

Language requirements

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, and while English is widely spoken, some proficiency in Arabic is beneficial when seeking employment in the country.

Arabic Language Skills

Arabic language skills are not always mandatory for expats seeking employment in Bahrain, but they can be advantageous and are often required for certain positions. Here are some scenarios where Arabic language skills may be necessary or beneficial:

• Government Relations and Administrative Roles: Positions that involve dealing with government entities, visas, passports, work and residence permits, and other regulatory affairs often require proficiency in Arabic. This includes roles such as Government Relations Associate or Administrative Officer.
• Customer-Facing Roles: Jobs that involve direct interaction with local customers or clients, such as receptionists, customer service representatives, or sales associates, may prefer or require Arabic language skills to facilitate effective communication.
• Security and Protective Services: Certain jobs in security, protective services, or roles that involve monitoring and controlling access to facilities, may require Arabic language proficiency to effectively communicate with local staff, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Hospitality and Tourism: In the hospitality and tourism industry, Arabic language skills can be beneficial for roles such as hotel staff, tour guides, or restaurant workers, as they often interact with a diverse range of guests and visitors.
• Teaching Arabic or Related Subjects: If you're interested in teaching Arabic, Islamic studies, or other subjects that are typically taught in Arabic, proficiency in the language is essential.

English Language Skills

While Arabic is the official language, English is also widely spoken in Bahrain, especially in educational institutions and international companies. Here are some scenarios where English language skills are necessary or beneficial:

• Teaching English: For teaching English as a foreign language, a high level of English proficiency is required. Schools expect teachers to communicate clearly and confidently, creating an effective learning environment for students.
• International Schools and Institutions: Many private and international schools, as well as multinational companies, use English as the primary language of instruction or communication. Proficiency in English is often required for both teaching and administrative roles in these institutions.
• Communication and Coordination: In roles that involve coordination, communication, or public relations, strong English skills are beneficial. This includes positions such as Public Information Assistant, Media Specialist, or roles that involve liaising with international partners or stakeholders.
• Technical and Specialist Roles: Jobs in fields like information technology, engineering, or specialized fields may require English proficiency, as technical documentation, software, or industry-specific terminology are often in English.
• Healthcare and Medical Services: English is commonly used in the medical field, and proficiency in English may be necessary for healthcare professionals, especially when dealing with medical terminology, research, or interacting with international patients.

Bilingualism: A Valued Asset

In Bahrain's diverse cultural landscape, bilingualism is valued and can set you apart as a job candidate. Being proficient in both Arabic and English can open doors to a wider range of opportunities. Here's how:

• Enhanced Communication: Being bilingual allows you to communicate effectively with a broader range of people, including locals, expats, and tourists. This skill is particularly valuable in customer service, hospitality, and administrative roles.
• Cultural Understanding: Proficiency in Arabic demonstrates respect for local customs and can help you build stronger connections with the local community. It shows that you are invested in understanding and embracing Bahrain's cultural and linguistic heritage.
• Adaptability: Bilingualism showcases your adaptability and willingness to immerse yourself in a new cultural context. Employers often view this as a positive trait, especially in roles that require cross-cultural interaction or international collaboration.
• Broader Job Prospects: With language skills in both Arabic and English, you increase your job prospects across various sectors. You become a strong candidate for roles that require communication with both local and international stakeholders.
• Teaching Opportunities: If you're interested in teaching, bilingualism expands your options. You can consider teaching English to Arabic speakers or vice versa, or even offering private tutoring services in either language.

Other Language Skills

In addition to Arabic and English, knowledge of other languages can also be beneficial in certain contexts:

• French: French is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and for specific roles within the UN or related organizations, fluency in English and Arabic, along with knowledge of French, may be desirable or required.
• Other Official UN Languages: The United Nations recognizes five other official languages besides English and French: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic. Proficiency in any of these languages can be advantageous for roles within international organizations or diplomatic settings.
• Other Languages Spoken in Bahrain: Bahrain is home to a diverse population, and languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, or Tagalog are also spoken in the country. Proficiency in any of these languages can be beneficial for roles that involve interacting with specific cultural communities or providing language-specific services.

Tips for Improving Language Skills

If you want to improve your language skills to enhance your job prospects in Bahrain, here are some tips:

• Language Courses and Certifications: Consider enrolling in language courses or working towards language certifications. This demonstrates your commitment to language proficiency and can be a valuable addition to your resume.
• Immersion and Practice: Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Practice speaking, reading, and listening to improve your fluency. Watch Arabic movies or TV shows, listen to Arabic music, and seek out opportunities to converse with native speakers.
• Language Exchange Programs: Participate in language exchange programs or find a language partner. This way, you can improve your target language skills while also helping someone else learn your native language.
• Online Resources: Utilize online resources, language learning apps, and language exchange platforms to improve your language proficiency. These tools often provide structured lessons, vocabulary building, and conversational practice.
• Cultural Engagement: Engage with Bahrain's cultural scene, attend community events, and interact with locals. This will help you improve your language skills in a natural and immersive way while also gaining cultural insights.

Job-seeking tips

Visas and permits

Firstly, it is important to note that you will need a work visa and a residency permit to work in Bahrain as a foreigner. You will also need a CPR card, which is a form of identification.

Job search websites

There are several job search websites that post vacancies in Bahrain. These include:

• Gulf Talent
• Bayt
• Learn 4 Good
• Monster Gulf
• Expatriates
• Career Jet
• Indeed
• Naukri
• ESL Employment
• Total ESL
• ESL Cafe
• Tesall
• Footprints Recruiting
• Just Landed
• Overseas Jobs
• Go Abroad
• LinkedIn

Job sectors

There are a variety of sectors in Bahrain that offer jobs to foreigners. These include hospitality, teaching, finance, and digital analytics.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain. While it is not necessary to speak Arabic to get a job in Bahrain, it may be beneficial to have some knowledge of the language.

Networking

Building contacts in your field of interest is a great way to learn about job opportunities in Bahrain. LinkedIn is a useful platform for this, as it allows you to connect with professionals in your industry and location.

Patience and perseverance

Finding work in Bahrain as a foreigner is not easy, and it may take time and effort to see results. It is important to be patient and persistent in your job search. Applying to multiple job postings and reaching out to employers can increase your chances of finding a suitable position.

Frequently asked questions