Why does Bahrain have a large foreign-born workforce?

Bahrain has a large foreign-born workforce primarily due to the country's historical and ongoing reliance on expatriate labor to support its diverse economic sectors. Since the 1970s, non-Bahrainis have comprised a significant portion of the labour force, with foreign workers accounting for approximately three-fifths to two-thirds of the total workforce by the end of the 20th century.12

This reliance is tied to the development of Bahrain’s economy, which has expanded beyond its initial focus on crude oil and natural gas to include manufacturing, aluminum refining, ship repair, and commercial and financial services. While the government has implemented initiatives to encourage indigenous employment and reduce reliance on expatriate sponsorship—particularly to address unemployment among native Bahrainis—the economy continues to depend on international labor to sustain these varied industries. Foreign-born inhabitants, who make up about half of the total population, primarily originate from countries such as Iran, India, Pakistan, Britain, and the United States.3241