Hiring the right employees can make a big difference in your expansion ventures. A sound recruiting strategy can help ensure that you attract top talent to fill your positions. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you when recruiting and hiring in Bahrain.
Recruiting in Bahrain
Recruitment agencies play a large role in the country since many companies choose to hire international works. Many agencies specialize in certain areas of work, such as hiring construction managers or medical and nursing staff. If you work with one of these companies, you will have to pay consultancy fees — typically a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary. You will also need to ensure that the agency meets local labor laws.
However, this practice is shifting as the country tries to encourage the employment of local nationals. The different ministries may restrict the number of work visas they issue or renew with your company so that you can fill a certain quota of local workers.
Legal and background checks
Recruiting involves following the right laws to stay compliant. In Bahrain, companies are allowed to conduct pre-employment checks on employees, but there’s no legal requirement to do so. Bahrain labor law does not specifically allow employers to monitor a candidate or employee’s social media use outside of the workplace. However, employees are not allowed to use social media platforms to disrespect their employer or disclose confidential information.
Laws against discrimination in Bahrain
Employers cannot discriminate workers based on sex, language, religion, or belief. Employers also cannot terminate contracts based on sex, color, religion, or membership in a trade union. Employees can file complaints with the Labor Court if the issue is not settled between the employee and employer.
While recruiting, companies must give employment priority to citizens, then other Arab nationals, whenever both are available and have the capacity and competencies necessary for the position. Companies are also required by law to release non-Arab nationals from employment before Arab nationals and citizens.
How to hire employees in Bahrain
Bahrain requires every company to write a strong employment contract in the local language that outlines compensation, benefits, and termination requirements. You should make 2 copies — 1 for you and 1 for the employee — to have on record. Always include any salary or compensation amounts in Bahrain dinar rather than another currency.
Once you hire employees in Bahrain, you need to register them with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and obtain a certificate of the registration. Employers also need to register employees with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and make monthly contributions for old age, disability, death, and work-related injury insurances. Companies should enlist with the Pension Authority as soon as they hire an employee.
Bahrain employment laws
Bahrain employment compliance laws dictate the typical workweek, which is usually 40 to 48 hours a week with 8 hours per day. Muslim workers during Ramadan are restricted to 6 hours per day. Friday and Saturday are usually designated as weekend days, while employees work Sunday through Thursday. Overtime is permitted under certain circumstances and is paid at a rate of at least 125% for day hours and 150% for night hours.
Onboarding in Bahrain
While Bahrain does not have one way to onboard employees, you can take some steps to make the onboarding process more comfortable for new employees. Start by going over the employment contract, company code of conduct, and any other important documents during the employee’s first week.
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Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recruit, hire, and onboard anyone, anywhere.