are Bahraini. Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan yesterday confirmed the country was working towards the elimination of its existing Bahrainisation policy.

He said the changes were being implemented due to the success of initiatives to train the national workforce.Mr Humaidan emphasised the Bahrainisation percentage would be evaluated by the ministry to avoid placing difficult regulations on company owners with the aim of finding appropriate work opportunities for citizens in the private sector.

He stressed the policy would be implemented in a flexible manner to increase job opportunities for citizens, saying the existing situation was not acceptable as out of every 10 job vacancies eight go to foreign workforce and only two to citizens. He also vowed proper training would be provided to Bahrainis to give them better job opportunities.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member and Pearl and Gold Jewellery Committee chairman Mohammed Sajid welcomed the announcement, saying the Bahrainisation policy had prevented many companies from reaching their potential. “This decision will help improve Bahrain businesses by allowing them to become more competitive in the international market.”