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Recruitment specialists of Bahrain say that they continue to be busy and have plenty of jobs available at all levels in the Gulf region, writes Anasuya Kesavan.
Although companies have generally become more cautious as a result of the global downturn and some have deferred major projects, the general opinion is that there is a market for the professionally qualified even in the most affected sectors of banking and construction.
Cara Houshmand, operations manager of Clarendon Parker Bahrain, an international recruitment specialist consultancy based in Seef, said that things are looking up and are starting to get better.
She said: "More and more companies are returning to normal hiring practices. The global credit crunch and recession has affected Bahrain, in terms of it has made companies more cautious, but companies are still hiring and still have the need for people. We are seeing positive signs across nearly all sectors that things are really picking up."
Derek Dorman, CEO of Gulf Connexions, a leading recruitment consultancy with offices in the Gulf region and London, believes that Bahrain has been one of the most insulated places in the world with regards to the global economic recession.
He said: "It has undoubtedly affected the market temperament. There is almost a fear factor now as we have all read some of the stories of expatriates having to flee the region.
"Businesses are quite obviously being affected by the downturn but this actually opens doors for us as traditionally companies in such times consolidate their human resources. This involves reducing staff numbers on one hand but leaves them in the position of requiring senior positions to be sourced and placed to ensure stability and expertise for the long term benefit and sustainability of the company.
"However, most employers in the region are still recruiting but they are recruiting more conservatively than they were last year. Perhaps, some are using the credit crunch as an excuse to get rid of the staff they no longer want.
"It is without doubt that it is an employers' market as we stand today. Only just a year ago candidates were able to negotiate huge pay increases when they were moving. Candidates with insecure jobs are now quite afraid to move. The confidence and sentiment has changed and stability has become paramount.
"Relatively speaking I believe we are the lucky ones when we look across the world. We have hundreds of jobs available in Saudi Arabia, Doha and Abu Dhabi. So, I don't believe that qualified individuals with a good track record need to leave Bahrain. If people want to stay in the region there are opportunities available."
Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi reiterated the view that the global slowdown has had a lesser impact on the kingdom's job market.
Speaking at a luncheon meeting organised by the Bahrain India Society, the minister said that the kingdom's unemployment rates stand at 3.5 per cent.
He added: "We are creating jobs for both Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis in the private sector and the economy is growing at the same time. We are affected but not as much as the rest of the region and the world."
In the last three months Bahrain has seen more people coming into the kingdom to take up employment than those leaving the country.
