Significance

Bahraini migration has generally reflected maritime trade, British influence, the growth of the oil industry, education, professional employment, regional movement, family connections, and the country’s economic development.

Migration to and from Bahrain developed through centuries of movement across the Persian Gulf, connecting the islands with Arabia, Persia, India, East Africa, and other trading regions. Before the discovery of oil, merchants, sailors, pearl divers, craftspeople, and labourers moved through Bahrain for commerce and employment. Migration expanded after oil was discovered in 1932, attracting workers and specialists from neighbouring Arab countries, South Asia, Europe, and other regions. Following independence in 1971, construction, banking, transportation, manufacturing, and public services created further demand for foreign labour. Bahrainis also travelled to Britain, the United States, and other countries for university education, professional training, business, and employment.

Bahraini Migration Before Independence

Before Bahrain achieved independence, migration was shaped by its strategic location, seafaring economy, pearling industry, and commercial relationships across the Gulf and Indian Ocean. Residents regularly travelled for fishing, pearl diving, shipbuilding, trade, religious journeys, marriage, and family responsibilities. Foreign merchants and workers also settled temporarily or permanently in Manama and other trading centres. Bahrain entered treaty relationships with Britain during the nineteenth century, and British political influence remained important until the twentieth century. The decline of natural pearl trading and the discovery of oil transformed the economy, creating jobs in petroleum production, administration, transportation, and construction. These changes attracted workers from Iran, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and other regions while encouraging some Bahrainis to study or work abroad.

Late-Twentieth-Century Migration

Bahrain became independent from Britain on August 15, 1971, and its expanding economy encouraged substantial labour migration during the following decades. Foreign workers arrived for employment in oil production, construction, domestic service, retail, banking, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation. Many came from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, neighbouring Arab countries, and other parts of Asia and Africa. Bahrainis increasingly travelled overseas for higher education, military training, professional careers, business, and family reunification, with some establishing communities in Britain, the United States, and other Gulf countries. Migration contributed greatly to Bahrain’s economic growth and cultural diversity, although foreign workers have also faced challenges involving employment protection, residency status, wages, and working conditions.