Manama - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Well there were many oil sector related jobs before the crash of the oil price, but now a lot of those jobs are gone. There are some opportunities in international schools, and if you're affiliated with the US Navy base or embassy each of those places will have some opportunities. Otherwise, there may be some in hospitality industry, but of those jobs are given to Filipino, Indian, Nepali, and other South and Southeast Asian workers as they will work for way less the money. Having said that, if you get a job working at an Arab petrol-industry related firm, you will be paid nicely (often more than the locals). There is also no income tax, so depending on the tax situation in your country of origin, you may be able to net a considerable amount of that paycheck. - Apr 2017
Some folks telecommute. The Embassy has local hire jobs. - Sep 2016
Not that I am aware of but the Embassy has lots of positions. - Nov 2015
We knew of Embassy spouses who worked as English teachers in the economy. - Aug 2014
Currently a couple of family members have jobs on the local economy (art gallery, teaching, health), several others do freelance work (photography, film), and there are many jobs at the Embassy for spouses who want to work. The Embassy is working hard to meet the needs of the spouses who want to work. - Sep 2012
Not really. It's difficult to get a working visa, and you have to get the proper sponsorship. - Apr 2010
Not really. Possibly teaching. - Jun 2009
The job opportunities are there, but the government wants to give jobs to Bahrainis as well, especially because a lot of them are graduating from universities in recent years and because it is their country and it is small, jobs for expats maybe less than what they used to be. - Dec 2008
Define decent. Don't come here expecting to further your career. You can find something to keep you borderline sane and get US$5.00 / hr. - Aug 2008
