Hiring in Bahrain — SIO, LMRA, and Employer Obligations

Hiring in Bahrain in 2026 is unique in the GCC because Bahrain is the only country where expats pay social insurance — SIO at 3% employer and 1% employee for expats, compared to 12% employer and 7% employee for Bahraini nationals. All expat hires also trigger a monthly LMRA levy paid by the employer. EOSB accrues at half a month of basic salary per year of service. Bahrainisation applies as a sector-specific localisation quota enforced through LMRA permit availability.