Filipino Workers In Bahrain: A Safe Haven?

Bahrain is a popular destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), with approximately 40,000 Filipinos living and working in the country as of 2012. Filipinos are attracted to Bahrain for its job opportunities and higher income compared to the Philippines. However, the safety of Filipino workers in Bahrain has been called into question, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Filipino workers lost their jobs or faced salary cuts, erratic work hours, and reduced salaries.

Filipinos in Bahrain work in finance, petroleum, tourism, hospitality, and construction

Filipinos in Bahrain are either migrants or descendants of the Philippines living in the Gulf state. As of 2012, there were approximately 40,000 Filipinos in Bahrain, accounting for 10% of the country's population. Many Filipinos choose Bahrain as a destination for work abroad, particularly those in the financial, petroleum, and tourism sectors. Filipinos in Bahrain commonly work in finance, construction, petroleum, tourism, hospitality, and construction.

Finance

Bahrain is known for being one of the fastest-growing financial centres in the world. Filipinos in Bahrain commonly work as accountants, business and government support staff, and in banking. Six Filipino banks have correspondent accounts with Bahraini banks to allow for remittance transfers. Filipinos working in Bahrain remitted US$151.82 million from January to November 2012, about 7% more than in the same period in 2011.

Petroleum

The petroleum industry in Bahrain is in demand and offers high incomes, career growth, and stable jobs.

Tourism

The tourism industry in Bahrain is also in demand and offers similar benefits to the petroleum industry.

Hospitality

As of November 2012, Filipinos accounted for 10% of Bahrain's population, working mostly as hotel, restaurant, and mall employees. Other common jobs for Filipinos in Bahrain include sales associates.

Construction

Filipinos in Bahrain also commonly work as construction contractors and engineers.

Bahrain is a popular destination for Filipino workers due to higher income and career growth

Bahrain is a popular destination for Filipino workers due to the potential for higher income and career growth. As one of the fastest-growing financial centres in the world, Bahrain offers job opportunities in sectors like finance, petroleum, and tourism, attracting professionals seeking career advancement.

The country's thriving economy and diverse job market make it a top choice for Filipinos seeking better economic prospects. As of 2012, there were approximately 40,000 Filipinos in Bahrain, with many working in sectors such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, and domestic work. The absence of a minimum wage for foreign workers in Bahrain further underscores the financial allure for Filipinos, especially when compared to the lower wages in the Philippines.

In addition to career growth and higher income, Bahrain's good business environment, low cost of living, and safe transportation also contribute to its popularity among Filipino workers. Bahrain offers greater incentives for businesses compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and the lack of personal income tax means that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can receive their full salaries, enabling them to save more and send higher remittances back home.

The cost of basic commodities, such as meat and gas, is subsidised by the Bahraini government, making them affordable for all residents. Additionally, the cost of utilities and other basic services is relatively low, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Bahrain's safe, fast, and affordable transportation system further enhances its appeal. Whether commuting by car or using public transportation, Filipinos can easily navigate the country and reach their destinations promptly.

Overall, Bahrain's dynamic economy, diverse job market, and favourable living conditions make it a preferred choice for Filipino workers seeking higher income and career growth opportunities.

There are cultural and religious prohibitions to be aware of, such as no public drinking or smoking

Bahrain is a popular choice for Filipino workers due to its thriving economy and the availability of jobs in the financial, petroleum, and tourism sectors. Filipinos working in Bahrain can expect to encounter cultural and religious prohibitions that are important to be aware of. As an Islamic country, there are certain restrictions on public behaviour that may differ from what Filipino workers are accustomed to.

One notable prohibition is the ban on public drinking and smoking. While Bahrain has a modern and moderately westernised attitude, it is important to remember that alcohol consumption is not widely accepted in Islamic culture. Drinking alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslims, and while non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Bahrain, it is restricted to licensed venues such as hotels and restaurants. Drinking in public or being intoxicated in public places is illegal and can lead to fines or arrest.

Similarly, smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes is prohibited in public places, with designated smoking areas available instead. This includes indoor public spaces such as restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.

It is also important to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing when in public. Women should avoid wearing short skirts or clothing that is tight-fitting or low-cut. Both men and women should avoid wearing clothing with offensive images or language.

Additionally, public displays of affection are generally frowned upon and should be avoided. Holding hands between married couples may be acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public is not appropriate.

When it comes to religion, while Bahrain guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to perform religious rites, it is important to respect Islamic traditions and not engage in any behaviour that could be seen as criticising or offending Islam. Blasphemy and defaming Islam are considered crimes and can result in imprisonment. Respecting the Islamic call to prayer and refraining from playing loud music or creating noise during prayer times is also important.

Lastly, while Bahrain has a thriving nightlife, it is important to be mindful of the volume of music and keep noise levels to a minimum, especially in residential areas.

By being mindful of these cultural and religious prohibitions, Filipino workers can ensure they respect local traditions and avoid any unintentional offences or legal consequences.

Filipinos can seek assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Manama

The Philippine Embassy in Manama provides various services to Filipinos in Bahrain, including passport renewal, visa application, and notarials and civil registry information. The embassy also has a consular section that operates from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for releasing documents. Additionally, the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) services are provided on a 24/7 basis, even on weekends and holidays.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are also available to provide support to Filipino workers in Bahrain. Contact details for these organisations can be found on the official website of the Philippine Embassy in Manama.

In the past, the Philippine Embassy in Manama has worked closely with Bahrain's Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to repatriate displaced Filipino workers at no cost to the Philippine government. This demonstrates the embassy's commitment to assisting Filipinos in Bahrain and ensuring their safe return to the Philippines if needed.

Overall, the Philippine Embassy in Manama serves as a vital resource for Filipinos in Bahrain, offering a range of services and assistance to support their well-being and address any labour-related issues or disputes.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a Sunni king and an elected legislative assembly

Bahrain is a popular choice for Filipinos seeking employment abroad. The country is a hub for finance, petroleum, and tourism, offering job opportunities in these sectors as well as in retail, hospitality, and domestic work.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a Sunni king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has ruled since 1999. The country transitioned to a constitutional monarchy from a hereditary emirate in 2002, with the king at the helm. The government is appointed by the king, and the parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Council of Representatives, elected by universal suffrage, and the Shura Council, appointed by the king.

The Al Khalifa family, who have ruled Bahrain since the late 1700s, hold the main political and military posts. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, and since then, there has been tension between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers, which has sometimes led to civil unrest.

Bahrain has a strong economy and is known for its rapid growth as a financial center. It has a modern and westernized attitude, especially in its capital city, Manama. The country has a high internet penetration rate and a free press, although the media is tightly controlled by the government, and critical journalists and online activists have been detained or jailed.

In terms of safety for Filipino workers, Bahrain has generally positive relations with other nations and is not facing any immediate external threats. However, there have been instances of political uprisings and civil disobedience, and the government has been criticized for eliminating political rights and civil liberties following the crushing of a pro-democracy protest movement in 2011.

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