Job Hunting In Bahrain: Easy Or Difficult?

With its strategic location in the North Persian Gulf, a good infrastructure, and a highly educated and skilled workforce, Bahrain has a successful history of doing business. However, finding work in Bahrain as a foreigner is not easy. You will need a work visa, residency permit, and a CPR card (an identification document). In addition, you need a confirmed job offer in order to get a work visa. Most expats working in Bahrain have been recruited outside the country, usually by a headhunter or agency, or have been transferred by their company. The sectors most likely to offer employment opportunities for foreigners include hospitality, tourism, and teaching English.

Job opportunities in hospitality

Bahrain is a small Arab monarchy in the Persian Gulf with a fast-growing economy, thanks to its thriving banking, financial, and petroleum-based sectors. The country's tourism industry has also been creating new jobs and opportunities in recent years.

Hospitality is a significant part of the tourism sector, and there are many job opportunities in this field in Bahrain. Here are some examples of hospitality jobs that were advertised online in 2024:

• Sales and Marketing Roles: Events and Catering Sales Manager, Sales & Events Coordinator, Sales Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, Marketing Manager, and Reservations Agent.
• Food and Beverage Service Roles: Restaurant Supervisor, Front Desk Agent, Waiter/Waitress, Room Attendant, Chef de Partie, Commis, and Banquet Supervisor.
• Spa and Wellness Roles: Spa Therapist and Manicurist/Pedicurist.
• Administrative and Support Roles: Housekeeping Supervisor, Guest Room Attendant, and Boutique Admin.
• Finance and Accounting Roles: Assistant Credit Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and Account Receivable Supervisor.
• Other Hospitality Roles: Pool Attendant and Steward.

These job opportunities in the hospitality sector showcase the diverse range of careers available in Bahrain's tourism industry. The country's thriving economy and growing tourism sector make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking job opportunities in hospitality.

Work visas and permits

Types of Visas

Every nationality entering Bahrain needs a visa, except for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). All other nationalities must apply for one of the following visas:

• Bahrain Electronic Visa: This visa is for tourism or business-related purposes and is granted for a period ranging from 14 to 90 days for one or multiple entries. It does not allow for employment.
• Embassy or Consular Visa: Nationals from countries that don't fall under the Bahrain Electronic Visa may need the sponsorship of a Bahraini citizen, travel agent, or company to act as a guarantor. This visa is valid for one month and doesn't allow employment.
• Work Visa: All employees will need a work visa to participate in any type of employment. This permit is valid for one to two years and entitles workers to residency.
• Family Visa: Immediate family members of workers will need a family visa or residence permit to live in Bahrain during the employment period. Family members cannot work unless they obtain a separate work visa.

Requirements for Obtaining a Work Visa

Employers need to sponsor employees looking to obtain a Bahrain work visa. The number of visas a company can sponsor depends on the physical size of the company's office and international quotas set by national regulations. Employers handle most of the application process and must provide a letter of employment that includes the following:

• Employer's name/organization
• Commercial registration number
• Employee's capacity
• Salary
• Contract duration
• Name, birth date, and nationality of the employee

Other requirements include:

• A completed visa application form
• Employee's passport
• Copy of the contract with the employee's name, birth date, and nationality
• Health record from an authorized clinic
• Academic or professional qualifications for the position

The Bahrain Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) processes and issues all visas before international workers arrive in the country. Bahrain typically processes all work visa applications in around five business days, but delays could take up to two weeks.

Other Considerations

Upon obtaining a work permit, employees are automatically entitled to live in Bahrain. All family members will need a family visa, excluding extended family members. When applying for a family visa, employees will need to apostille their documents, including their birth certificate, marriage certificate, and educational degree certificate.

Employment Visa Situations

There are four situations for employment visas in Bahrain:

• The employee is outside of Bahrain: Advertise the vacancy, company name, email, and phone number in local newspapers for seven days. The LMRA will postpone the visa application process for 14 days.
• The employee is inside Bahrain under another company's sponsorship/visa: The previous employer should approve the transfer of the employee or cancel their work permit so that the new employer can submit a new work visa application.
• The employee is inside Bahrain and does not have any visa: If the employee's visa is canceled within 30 days, they can apply for a new visa and transfer form. If the visa is canceled for more than 30 days, they will require another grace period from the National Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) to apply for a new work visa.
• The employee is inside Bahrain on a visit visa: When applying for a work visa, include a copy of the visit visa and the entry stamp on the passport. There will be an additional fee of BHD 60 for this transfer process.

Required Documents for a Work Permit

The employer must have an Expat Management System (EMS) account to log in and apply for the work permit. The following documents must be submitted:

• Employee's latest passport
• Copy of the employee's old passport
• Employment contract (in English and Arabic)
• Intention to Transfer form (if transferring employers)
• Employee address (if available)
• Medical Certificate (GAMCA Approved if the employee is outside of Bahrain)

Approvals Required for a Work Permit

There are four mandatory approvals for all employment visa applications:

• Approval from the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
• Issuance of a Central Population Record (CPR) number from the Central Information Office (CIO)
• Approval from National Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA)
• Visa Payment: The standard work permit visa fee is BHD 172 for one year and BHD 344 for two years.

Processing Time for an Employment Visa

The processing time for an employment visa depends on several factors:

• The efficiency of the employer in submitting the required documents
• Completeness and clarity of the submitted documents
• Work burden on the approval authorities
• Previous record of the candidate

The normal processing time is 3-10 business days if the employee is already in Bahrain and 18-25 business days if the employee is outside of Bahrain. Once the employer pays for the work visa, they can print the work permit from the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS) and send it to the employee.

The role of recruitment agencies

Bahrain's thriving professional landscape and dynamic market demand a reliable and knowledgeable partner for businesses seeking to recruit top-tier talent across diverse industries. This is where recruitment agencies play a pivotal role in simplifying the hiring process and ensuring employers connect with the best professionals in their respective fields.

Technology Sector: JB Hired

JB Hired is a renowned recruitment agency specializing in the technology sector. They possess an extensive network of tech experts spanning Bahrain and the Middle East. Their experienced recruiters have an in-depth understanding of Bahrain's tech ecosystem and the competencies required for various roles, from C-level to software engineers and UX designers. By partnering with JB Hired, employers can save time and optimize costs while accessing the right talent.

Healthcare Sector: Odyssey Recruitment

Odyssey Recruitment is the go-to agency for healthcare recruitment in Bahrain. They are dedicated to sourcing top-tier medical professionals, including doctors and healthcare specialists. Their commitment to transparency and comprehensive vetting processes ensures that employers in the healthcare sector can fill critical positions with the most qualified candidates.

Finance Sector: AP Executive

AP Executive is the leading recruitment agency in Bahrain's finance sector, specializing in private banking and finance roles. They are known for their meticulous candidate selection process, taking the time to understand the unique requirements of financial institutions. Their dedication to confidentiality makes them a trusted partner for employers seeking the perfect candidates with the right skills and experience in finance.

Oil and Gas Sector: Manav Corporate Consultants

Manav Corporate Consultants is the preferred choice for the oil and gas industry in Bahrain. They have a solid reputation for delivering top-notch talent, with a team of industry experts who understand the technical and safety demands of this field. Employers in this sector can rely on Manav Corporate Consultants to provide skilled professionals who meet the exacting standards and ensure success and safety in their projects.

Construction Sector: Maxim Recruitment

Maxim Recruitment is the premier recruitment agency for the construction industry in Bahrain. They focus on connecting employers with highly qualified construction professionals. Their specialists are well-versed in the intricacies of construction projects, enabling them to find candidates with the necessary skills and experience to excel in demanding construction environments.

Staffing Solutions: Alliance Recruitment

Alliance Recruitment stands out as a key player in providing tailored workforce solutions to businesses in Bahrain. They excel in understanding the unique requirements of diverse industries and connecting employers with skilled professionals across various roles. Alliance Recruitment fosters long-term relationships with both employers and candidates, ensuring a seamless match between talent and opportunities.

Job search websites

Bahrain has the fastest-growing economy in the Arab world, with a high demand for jobs. The country's major industries include oil, banking, finance, and tourism, which have all contributed to a huge demand for jobs.

GrabJobs

GrabJobs is a top job search platform worldwide, featuring ads from tens of thousands of employers. It allows you to post full-time job ads on over 20 different job sites with just one click. It also helps with interview scheduling and conducting video interviews with tech candidates. GrabJobs is our choice for the best overall job posting website in Bahrain.

Bayt

Bayt uses artificial intelligence to help you screen candidates and find the right matches. It offers access to a database of over 40 million CVs. Bayt is a good choice for finding management-level positions.

GulfTalent

GulfTalent is one of the biggest and most popular job platforms for job seekers in the Gulf Region, including Bahrain. It provides access to over 10 million job seekers and is a trusted source for employers and job seekers. GulfTalent is a good option for finding tech candidates.

NaukriGulf

NaukriGulf offers free and paid options for employers to find and screen qualified job seekers. It has advanced targeting features and caters to job seekers of all levels, including management and entry-level. NaukriGulf is a good choice for reaching full-time job seekers in Bahrain.

Indeed

Indeed is one of the most popular job search platforms in the world, offering free and paid advertising options. It has a reach within Bahrain and helps you find qualified candidates at a reasonable cost. Indeed is a good choice for finding part-time work.

Akhtaboot

Akhtaboot is a job search engine that caters to job seekers throughout the Middle East, receiving over 50,000 visitors per day. It offers screening and assessment tools to help you find the right candidates. Akhtaboot is a good choice for entry-level positions.

Remote Leaf

Remote Leaf is a platform for employers looking to hire remote tech employees. It provides access to thousands of job seekers and helps spread the word by sharing your ads on social media.

Monster Gulf

Monster Gulf is one of the most trusted recruiting sites in the world, making it a great choice for finding management positions. It features many tech-related positions and provides tools to help you categorize job ads and screen candidates.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn's social networking features make it useful for businesses looking to recruit new talent and recent graduates. It helps build relationships with people eager to start their careers.

Snaphunt

Snaphunt is a highly effective hiring platform that allows companies to find, screen, and hire people from around the globe, including Bahrain. It offers free job postings and distributes them to over 20 job sites.

The interview process and business etiquette

Bahrain is a major hub for business and finance in the Middle East, so it attracts many expats seeking job opportunities. The country's economy is petroleum-based, but the tourism sector has also generated new jobs in recent years.

Dress Code

It is important to dress formally and conservatively for interviews and business meetings in Bahrain. Local businessmen usually wear a long robe called a "thobe," while foreign businessmen typically wear suits and ties. Women should ensure their clothing is modest, with arms and legs covered.

Punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in Bahrain, so it is essential to arrive on time for interviews and meetings. It is also customary to set an appointment before a meeting.

Language

Although English is widely spoken, learning some basic Arabic greetings can make a good impression. "As-salaam alaykum" ("peace be upon you") is a common greeting, and the reply is "Wa alaykum as-salaam" ("and upon you be peace"). Having one side of your business card translated into Arabic is also a good idea.

Hierarchy

Bahrain's society and business culture are hierarchical and based on traditional values. It is important to greet the most senior person first and to address people by their titles ("Sheikh," "Mr.," or "Dr.").

Small Talk

Unlike Western culture, Arabic culture values personal relationships. Expect to engage in small talk and general conversation before getting down to business. This is an important part of building relationships with potential business partners.

Refreshments

When offered refreshments, it is considered rude to refuse. Traditional coffee is usually served in offices and homes, and you should always use your right hand to accept and give things.

Gender Interactions

Due to the country's Islamic laws, there are some important considerations when interacting with women in Bahrain. Do not shake hands with a woman without her permission. Men and women may also sit in different areas of the office.

Business Negotiations

Arabs rarely say a direct "no" to a proposition. Phrases like "Leave it with me" or "I'll think about it" may indicate that a project is unlikely to move forward. It is advisable to avoid using negative words during business negotiations.

Building Relationships

People in Bahrain do not do business with strangers, so it is important to invest time in building a good reputation and relationships.

Frequently asked questions