Bahrain undoubtedly is the financial hub of the Middle East. It is also internationally known to be the most diversified economy in the Gulf region. Unlike other countries in the Gulf region that depend heavily on oil and gas production, in Bahrain, the contribution of this sector is merely 14% of GDP (2007). The most thriving sector in Bahrain currently is the financial sector. Thus, there is no dearth of banking jobs in Bahrain. These financial sector jobs have been increasing as the sector has seen ample growth over the past few years and Bahrain has become an attractive career destination for qualified expatriates in this field. Other than the financial sector, other booming sectors in the region include professional services, logistics, ICT, and manufacturing sectors.
Bahrain boasts of the highest and most transparent regulatory and supervisory standards in its financial sector and has thus become the most established financial hub which has attracted investors for businesses in this field. Despite being such a small country, it has attracted a lot of foreign investment in this region as it is the tried and tested ground for banking and insurance sector. In the region, there are more than 400 licensed financial institutions which contribute nearly 27% of GDP (2007). These institutions operate in banking, insurance and funds. Also, Bahrain is a hub for Islamic finance as the largest number of Islamic financial institutions is located in the region. Owing to these reasons banking jobs in Bahrain have become quite attractive to skilled professionals across the globe.
Bahrain banking jobs are very lucrative too. The prime reason for this is that it is a tax-free region. Thus, no taxes are levied on the compensation of an individual. This is a major puller for expatriates who throng the region to take up such jobs and make savings for a lifetime. These expatriates take up jobs on contractual basis and leave the country at the end of their term but by the time they leave, they save enough money to make the period of stay worthwhile. The quality and the standard of lifestyle offered in Bahrain are also world-class. Though one might find a huge difference in culture but with an open mind, one can enjoy the luxuries offered by the place. One has to be a little open-minded to settle well in the country and accept all the good that it has to offer.
To get a Bahrain banking job, one can apply through various mediums such as recruitment firms operating in the area, newspapers, job sites and also by directly applying to these banks that regularly advertise their vacancies on their websites. If going through a recruitment agency, it is always advisable to choose a certified agency because there are a lot of sham companies operating in this field who make unsuspecting job searchers a prey. Once short listed, the candidates have to go through a comprehensive selection procedure as the standards of selection in top financial companies are also very high. The employer becomes the sponsor of the expatriates who work in Bahrain. In your employment contract, there are other included benefits too. For instance, many employers offer housing, education for children and one annual free trip back home to employees. Considering these benefits, a banking job in Bahrain becomes a sought after one.
Despite the current economic downturn, Bahrains established status as the financial capital of the Middle East is ready to weather these tough times. The sector has seen a surging employment growth in Bahrain’s financial industry in the last few years. There is an emphasis on employing local Bahrainis as the countrys education system has evolved and is producing graduates ready to take up jobs. However, there is still a lot of demand for foreign workers. Prominent financial services companies operating in Bahrain include some big international names such as AIG, American Express, Bank of China, Citibank, European Islamic Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, BNP Paribas, Hanover Re, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, JP Morgan, Lazard, Merrill Lynch, and Standard Chartered. The expansion of these firms in the region has ensured that more and more jobs are being created each year. Apart from banking, insurance and funds are the other two branches in the finance sector that are employing expatriates in large numbers.
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