Located in the Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is a small, island country known for its colorful history, thriving economy, and dynamic culture: the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Currently, the oil and gas industry is flourishing in Bahrain, offering plenty of job opportunities to locals and foreign workers alike. In addition, other sectors like construction, domestic work, finance, healthcare, hospitality, and tourism — are also on the rise.
In this article, we will discuss how aspiring OFWs like you can apply for work in Bahrain. We’ll be covering the qualifications, requirements, steps, most in-demand jobs, and other related topics.
Qualifications
To be eligible for work in Bahrain, you need to have a work visa. Basically, a Bahrain work visa (a.k.a. employment visa or work permit) is a document that allows foreigners to live and work in the country. Work visas are processed and issued by the Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Of course, getting a work visa means that you should have a legitimate job offer from a Bahrain-based employer before you leave the Philippines. This includes having a signed employment contract, along with your passport and other requirements. The work visa may be valid for up to 2 years, and it may be extended.
Requirements
When applying for a work visa, you and your employer (or employment agency) must prepare the necessary documents, which include the following:
- Filled-up visa application form;
- Valid passport of the applicant;
- Passport-sized photos;
- Sponsorship letter indicating the company’s/employer’s name, commercial registration number, contract duration, employee’s name, date of birth, and nationality;
- Copy of employment contract;
- Medical certificate from an authorized clinic;
- Flight itinerary; and
- Payment of visa fees.
Most Popular Jobs in Bahrain for Overseas Filipino Workers
As mentioned earlier, the most active industries in Bahrain are construction, oil and gas, domestic work, hospitality and tourism, and healthcare. In addition, the industries of education, retail and sales, and information technology also provide a lot of employment opportunities for local as well as foreign workers.
Here is a list of the most in-demand jobs in Bahrain, grouped according to industry:
- Construction – carpenters, construction workers, electricians, etc.;
- Domestic Work – domestic helpers, cooks, drivers, etc.;
- Education – kindergarten teachers, subject teachers, language teachers, etc.;
- Healthcare – nurses, doctors, caregivers, etc.;
- Hospitality and Tourism – hotel managers, restaurant managers, receptionists, chefs, waiters, waitresses, etc.;
- Information Technology – computer programmers, cybersecurity specialists, software developers, etc.;
- Oil and Gas – engineers, drillers, managers, supervisors, etc.; and
- Retail and Sales – cashiers, store managers, sales assistants, marketing assistants, etc.
How to Become an OFW in Bahrain
Before anything else, keep in mind that your employer (and employment agency) is the one responsible for getting a work visa on your behalf. Since Bahrain’s application system is online, they should be able to process your application quickly and smoothly.
For your part, you need to prepare several documents so that your employer can finalize your application. These include your passport, filled-up visa application form, passport-sized photo, employment contract, and health certificate, among other documents.
How long does it take to process your visa application? This would depend on the type of visa you’re applying for, as well as the current volume of applications. Typically, it could take 5 days up to 2 weeks for the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to process and release your visa.
Once your work visa is issued, you will be allowed to live and work in Bahrain for up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
Licensed Recruitment Agencies to Bahrain
Just like applying for work in other countries, dealing with legitimate or accredited agencies is a must. Fortunately, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMWs) was established to make sure that aspiring OFWs would not become victims of recruitment scams or human trafficking.
Here is a list of manpower agencies that are licensed by the DMW to deploy OFWs to Bahrain:
- 1010 Ephesians Human Resoruces Inc.;
- 10th Story Placement Agency Inc;
- 1128 International Placement Agency;
- 1st Northern International Placement Inc.;
- 7107 Islands Placement and Promotions Inc.;
- Abundant Life International Manpower Services Inc.;
- Akiro International Manpower Services Co.;
- Al Assal Manpower Inc.;
- Al Manaf International Manpower Corp.;
- Al-Bayan International Manpower Services Co.;
- Alliance International Recruitment and Placement Services Inc.;
- Ameinri Overseas Employment Agency Inc.;
- American Prime Manpower Services Inc.;
- Androme Recruitment and Management Services Inc.;
- Aqium International Inc.;
- Aquavir International Inc.;
- Arab Peninsula Manpower Services Corp.;
- Arandrea Manpower Services Co.;
- Ardcorp;
- Armstrong Resources Corporation;
- Ascend International Services Inc.;
- Asmacs Recruitment Services Inc.;
- ASMK International Human Solutions Co.;
- Automatechs Manpower Solutions Inc.;
- Benchstone Enterprises Inc.;
- Best Group Marketing Agency Inc.;
- Best Migrant Workers International Manpower Services Inc.;
- Blueorion Recruitment Services Corp.;
- Brinell International Partners Inc.;
- BS International Services and Placement Agency Inc.;
- Building Better Lives Manpower Services International Inc.;
- Businesswise International Resources Inc.;
- C.A.N.A. Placement Services;
- Caves Treasures Manpower and Construction Corporation;
- Cinderella International Manpower Services Corp.;
- Confederal Project Manpower Services Inc.;
- DDZ International Manpower Services;
- Deltavir Overseas Job Placement and General Services Inc.;
- Diamond Overseas Manpower Enterprises;
- DLB International Inc.
- Dream Force International Manpower Services Inc.; and
- Empire International Human Resources Inc.
NOTE: Please go to the DMW official website to view the full list of manpower agencies that are licensed to recruit land-based and sea-based OFWs around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about becoming an OFW in Bahrain:
1. Who are qualified to work in Bahrain?
To qualify for work in Bahrain, the first thing you should have is a legitimate job offer from a Bahrain-based employer. You will need this to get a work visa, which is issued by the Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The work visa may be valid for up to two years, with the possibility of extension.
2. What are the requirements?
To apply for a Bahrain work visa, you and your employer (or employment agency) need to prepare these documents: filled-up visa application form, valid passport, passport-sized photos, sponsorship letter, copy of employment contract, medical certificate, flight itinerary, and payment of visa fees.
3. What are the most in-demand jobs for OFWs?
At present, the most active industries in Bahrain are construction, domestic work, education, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology oil and gas, and retail and sales.
Hence, the most in-demand jobs include carpenters, construction workers, domestic helpers, cooks, kindergarten teachers, language teachers, nurses, caregivers, hotel managers, restaurant managers, computer programmers, software developers, engineers, drillers, store managers, and sales assistants, among many others.
4. How can I become an OFW in Bahrain?
Assuming that you already have a job offer, your employer (or employment agency) is responsible for getting your work visa on your behalf. Be sure to prepare all the necessary documents, so that your application can be submitted to Bahrain’s Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
As soon as your work visa is issued, you will be allowed to live and work in Bahrain for up to 2 years. Beyond this period, you may be eligible for an extension, depending on the case.
5. How can I learn more about working in Bahrain?
You can learn more about working in Bahrain by getting in touch with the Bahraini Consulate in Manila, whose contact details are given below.
Contact Information: Bahraini Consulate in Manila
If you have any questions or concerns about going to Bahrain — be it for work or travel purposes — you can contact the Bahraini Consulate in the Philippines through the following details. The office is located in Makati City, Metro Manila:
Address: The Stratford Residences, Kalayaan Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 8403 6166
Email: enquiry@bahrainconsulate.com.ph
Website: http://www.bahrainconsulate.com.ph/
Google Map:
Video: How Much Can I Earn in Bahrain?
Curious about the latest salary information in Bahrain? Check out the following video, which focuses on salaries and wages in the Kingdom. This video is shared by “Itsme Khriz” YouTube channel, which is managed by Crislyn Aljas, an OFW based in Bahrain.
In the video, the vlogger also talks about whether workers’s salaries are enough to meet the costs of their daily life in Bahrain:
Additional Reminders
Aside from getting your documents ready, you should also be preparing for your actual stay in Bahrain. And so, here are some practical tips and information about what day-to-day life is really like in this country:
Be prepared for the climate. Bahrain has a subtropical climate, which means that temperatures could range between extreme warmth and cold. From the months of June to September, day temperatures could go over 45 degrees Celsius! In contrast, the average temperature drops to around 24 degrees Celsius during the period of December to March.
Know the language and currency. The official language in Bahrain is Arabic. You don’t have to learn it; however, it would be a great idea to learn some basic phrases at least. This way, you can better communicate with the locals. As for English, most Bahrainis (and other expats) understand this language, so you don’t have to worry!
When it comes to money, the official currency in Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar(BHD). BHD 1 is divided into 1000 fils. Since you’ll be using it daily, it’s important to be familiar with the local currency’s bills and coins. With regard to foreign exchange, BHD 1 is equal to PHP 149.61, as of this writing.
Learn how to get around. Bahrain has a fast and efficient transportation system, with buses as the main mode of public transport. You can easily travel within and in-between cities by bus. If you prefer to travel more privately, you could rent a car, hail a taxi, or use a ride-sharing application such as Careem or Uber.
Of course, if you are planning to stay in Bahrain for at least a year, and you prefer to drive, you could buy or lease a car, so you can travel around the country as much as you like!
Explore a variety of attractions. Speaking of travel, did you know that Bahrain has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These are the Bahrain Fort, the Dilmun Burial Mounds, and the Pearling Trail — all of which hold great historical and cultural significance. In addition, there is a wealth of modern architecture and amazing attractions around the country, including the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Enjoy religious freedom and diversity. Thanks to the country’s diverse, friendly, and tolerant society — people are free to practice their faiths or religious beliefs in Bahrain. Don’t be surprised to see Muslim mosques, Christian churches, Jewish synagogues, and Buddhist temples located side by side! Moreover, Bahrain is a great place to meet and make new friends from different countries!
Obey the country’s rules. Keep in mind that Islam is the state religion of Bahrain, and it influences the country’s laws and customs. Everyone is free to practice their religious beliefs, but be sure to respect and obey certain rules, such as the following:
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places;
- Dress appropriately and avoid “revealing” attire;
- Do not engage in public displays of affection such as kissing, hugging; and
- Do accept offers of food and drinks; it would be considered rude if you refused.
Adjust to the working culture. Since Friday is a holy day for Muslims, most businesses do not operate on Fridays. Instead, they usually follow a Saturday to Thursday or Sunday to Thursday business schedule. As for the working hours, most businesses require their employees to work for 8 hours a day, although some require 9-hour work shifts.
Connect with fellow Pinoys. As of 2020, records show that there were around 56,000 Filipinos in Bahrain. So don’t worry, you are likely to meet many kababayans here! In fact, in 1994, the Philippine School Bahrain was established in Manama to cater to the growing overseas Filipino community in the country.
Summary
Offering job opportunities in multiple sectors, the Kingdom of Bahrain will definitely remain a top choice among Filipinos and other foreign workers. If you are thinking about pursuing a career in this country, we certainly hope that this guide has been helpful!
Meanwhile, another popular destination among OFWs is Canada. In fact, most Filipinos decide to go to this vast country not only for work, but to live there permanently with their families. Check out this guide about how you can work in Canada as an OFW!