Bahrainisation quotas for some sectors are 'unrealistic', and must be reconsidered, say business bosses.

This is particularly true for businesses that deal in foodstuffs, agriculture, jewellery, transportation, restaurants, cafes and garages where enough Bahraini labour is simply not available, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Ibrahim Al Lingawi was quoted as saying in a Gulf Daily News report.

The chamber is also calling for a periodic review of labour market regulations, including labour fees and its impact on businesses.

Al Lingawi suggested slashing labour fees by half to BD5 for every expat worker for businesses in sectors registered at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.

The chamber also wants a three-year freeze on fees for firms with less than seven expat workers and their Bahrainisation quota cancelled. - TradeArabia News Service