Safety In Bahrain: A Guide For Ofws

Filipinos often choose to work in Bahrain due to the country's status as one of the fastest-growing financial centres in the world. The country offers a wide range of job opportunities, from the financial, petroleum, and tourism sectors to domestic helpers, mall employees, and restaurant staff. Additionally, Bahrain is an open economy, allowing foreign workers to enjoy lower taxes. Filipinos also cite the higher income and the continuing high unemployment rate in the Philippines as reasons for seeking employment in Bahrain. However, it is important to consider the safety aspects of living and working in a foreign country. While Bahrain has a relatively low crime rate, there are risks of terrorism, civil unrest, and cultural differences that should be taken into account.

Filipinos can find many job opportunities in Bahrain, including in the medical and health industry, construction, and corporate world

Filipinos can find a plethora of job opportunities in Bahrain, including in the medical and health industry, construction, and corporate world.

OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers have been a staple in the Bahraini economy for decades, with many working in the construction, domestic, or healthcare industries. Filipinos in these sectors can send money back home to their families, improving their standard of living.

In the healthcare industry, Filipinos are in high demand as nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals. They are also sought after as teachers, particularly for English language instruction, due to their qualifications and experience. Filipinos working in Bahrain's healthcare and education sectors can expect to earn significantly higher salaries than they would in the Philippines.

In the construction industry, Filipinos are known for their skilled labor, working as technicians, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. They are also employed in supervisory and managerial roles, thanks to their strong work ethic and adaptability.

Additionally, Filipinos are in demand in the corporate world, where they are valued for their communication skills, customer service, and work ethic. They can find employment in multinational companies operating in Bahrain, as well as in various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and government offices. Roles such as salespeople, supervisors, managers, cashiers, and hairstylists are often filled by Filipinos.

While working in Bahrain, Filipinos can enjoy high salaries, excellent benefits, and flexible working hours. However, it is important to be aware of cultural differences and respect local traditions, customs, and laws. Crime rates are generally low, but normal precautions should be taken to ensure personal safety and the security of belongings.

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

The Kingdom of Bahrain is ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds various positions in the government and military. It is considered a constitutional monarchy with an elected legislative assembly.

Bahrain has been ruled by the Al Khalifa family since the late 1700s. Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has been the head of state since 1999, when he succeeded his father, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who had ruled since 1961. In 2002, Shaikh Hamad changed his title from emir to king, and Bahrain officially became a kingdom.

The current king's full name is Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, and he was born in 1950. He was educated in the UK, attending a public school in Cambridge and the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, before studying at the US Army Command and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

The Bahraini parliament is a bicameral legislature, with the Council of Representatives elected by universal suffrage, and the Consultative Council (or Shura Council) appointed directly by the king. The king has broad powers under the constitution, including legislative powers such as the ability to ratify constitutional amendments, propose legislation, and veto laws.

Bahrain's political system has been characterised by tension between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers, which has occasionally resulted in civil disobedience. The country was once seen as a promising model for political reform and democratic transition, but since 2011, the monarchy has systematically eliminated a broad range of political rights and civil liberties.

The standard of living in Bahrain is high, but OFWs don't have to pay taxes

Bahrain is a popular destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) due to the abundance of job opportunities and large OFW community already present in the country. Filipinos take up a variety of jobs in Bahrain, including domestic helpers, service crew, retail workers, accountants, healthcare workers, and staff in the private or public sector.

The standard of living in Bahrain is high, and OFWs can expect to earn between 150-250 BD (approximately Php 20,000 to Php 32,000) per month, depending on their skillset and work experience. This salary often includes allowances for food, accommodation, and transportation. However, due to the high conversion rate of the Bahraini Dinar, daily essentials such as food and groceries can be expensive. OFWs typically budget around BD 30 to 50 (Php 4,000 to 6,000+) for food and personal items, and BD 15 to 25 (Php 2,000 to 4,000+) for transportation, if not provided by their employer.

Accommodation can be costly, with a single room costing approximately 70 BD (over Php 9,000), and a shared unit ranging from 100 to 130 BD (Php 13,000 to 17,000). Some employers provide free accommodation, or an allowance to help cover rental expenses.

Despite the high cost of living, OFWs in Bahrain benefit from not having to pay certain taxes, including personal income tax, value-added tax, and withholding tax. However, they may be required to contribute a small percentage of their income towards social security or municipal tax.

Overall, while the standard of living in Bahrain is high, the availability of jobs and the potential for higher earnings compared to the Philippines makes it an attractive destination for OFWs. With careful budgeting and financial management, OFWs can maintain a comfortable lifestyle while also providing financial support to their families back home.

The overall level of crime in Bahrain is low, but there is a risk of terrorism and civil unrest

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Middle Eastern archipelago located in the Persian Gulf, with a relaxed, cosmopolitan culture that is more liberal than its neighbouring countries. It is a popular destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) due to its status as one of the fastest-growing financial centres in the world, with job opportunities in the financial, petroleum, and tourism sectors.

While the overall level of crime in Bahrain is low, there are a few things to be aware of when visiting or working in the country. Firstly, there is a risk of terrorism, with terrorists likely to try and carry out attacks. These attacks could be indiscriminate and occur in places visited by foreigners, such as residential compounds, military and oil interests, transport hubs, and public places like restaurants, hotels, and shopping centres. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during high-profile events, and to avoid large demonstrations.

Additionally, there is a risk of civil unrest in Bahrain due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which could lead to increased tensions and protests in the region. Public protests and large gatherings can turn violent, and security forces may use force to disperse protesters, leading to localised clashes. The risk of protest can increase around anniversaries of significant events, and it is recommended to avoid any large public gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.

While crime rates are generally low in Bahrain, petty theft, burglaries, and pickpocketing do occur, particularly in old market areas (souks). It is recommended to take normal precautions to protect your belongings and always be aware of your surroundings. Transport in Bahrain is also considered moderately unsafe due to reckless drivers, and it is advised to only use reputable taxi companies.

Overall, while Bahrain presents opportunities for workers and travellers, it is important to stay informed about the security situation in the country and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse

Women travelling alone to Bahrain may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. While Bahrain is considered a safe destination for women travellers, it is a very conservative society with different cultural norms and expectations around the role of women. Women travelling alone may be the subject of curiosity as it is not culturally acceptable.

To avoid unwanted attention, women travelling alone may want to wear a cheap wedding band or carry a photo of a "husband" or "children". It is also recommended to carry a scarf to cover your head when visiting mosques or other religious sites. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly if you are alone in a crowd of demonstrators, as the situation can turn ugly very quickly.

Dressing modestly and behaving respectfully is important in Bahrain. Women should refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing and should cover their heads and arms when in public. It is also important to be aware of local laws and customs, such as the expectation to carry photo ID at all times and the restrictions on eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan.

While Bahrain is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of, including petty theft, reckless drivers, and the threat of terrorism. It is important to take normal precautions to protect your belongings and use reputable taxi companies.

Frequently asked questions