Bahrainisation is a commendable effort by the government to ensure that Bahraini citizens are empowered towards sustainable and holistic development and empowerment.
With Bahrain leading multiple international relationship agreements every day, what message is the government presenting to foreign and other public stakeholders when they promote full Bahrainisation amongst different sectors in the country.
Bahrain has made several commitments with global partnerships to promote well-rounded and sustainable growth; but how much of it could be achieved, if regularly the expatriate community in the country is ignored?
Granted that Bahrain has been exceptionally welcoming to foreigners and others who have been living in the country for most of their lives, what image is the government projecting to those who have contributed significant portions of their life to the country we have today?
It is quite disheartening to see a lot of the youth's efforts in the country being wasted because we don't come under the category of a Bahraini national.
I believe that any country can only grow with the concerned participatory approach that would be implemented. In a world where global and national actors rally for sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, etc. we must not forget the importance of belongingness.
Most of us have lived in Bahrain our whole lives, and today, we are being routinely excluded from several jobs, growth opportunities, open platforms, etc. because of a legal paper that calls us of another nationality than 'Bahraini'. We are Bahrainis in our hearts, and I believe that should count.
- Ardra Reba Sam
