National Reporting Instrument 2021
Background
[iBG]
Adopted in 2010 at the 63rd World Health Assembly (WHA Res 63.16), the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel (“the Code”) seeks to strengthen the understanding and ethical management of international health personnel recruitment through improved data, information, and international cooperation.
Article 7 of the Code encourages WHO Member States to exchange information on the international recruitment and migration of health personnel. The WHO Director General is additionally mandated to report to the World Health Assembly every 3 years.
WHO Member States completed the 3rd round of national reporting in March 2019. The WHO Director General reported progress on implementation to the 72nd World Health Assembly in May 2019 (A 72/23). The 3rd Round of National Reporting additionally informed the Member-State led Review of the Code’s relevance and effectiveness, as presented to the 73rd WHA in 2020 (A 73/9).
The Review highlights that Code implementation, through targeted support and safeguards, is necessary to ensure that Health Emergency and Universal Health Coverage-related progress in Member States serves to reinforce rather than compromise similar achievement in others. In light of the considerations in the Report and decision WHA 73(30), the WHO Secretariat has additionally prepared the Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List, 2020.
The National Reporting Instrument (NRI) is a country-based, self-assessment tool for information exchange and Code monitoring. The NRI enables WHO to collect and share current evidence and information on the international recruitment and migration of health personnel. The findings from the 4th Round of National Reporting are to be presented at the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NRI (2021) has been adapted to additionally capture information related to health personnel recruitment and migration in the context of the pandemic.
The deadline for submitting reports is 31 January 2022.
Should technical difficulties prevent national authorities from filling in the online questionnaire, it is also possible to download the NRI via the link: https://www.who.int/teams/health-workforce/migration/code-nri. Please complete the NRI and submit it, electronically or in hard copy, to the following address:
Health Workforce Department
Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems
World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
hrhinfo@who.int
Disclaimer: The data and information collected through the National Reporting Instrument will be made publicly available via the WHO web-site following the proceedings of the 75th WHA in 2022. The quantitative data collected will be updated on and available through the National Health Workforce Accounts online platform. (http://www.who.int/hrh/statistics/nhwa/en/).
Article 7 of the Code encourages WHO Member States to exchange information on the international recruitment and migration of health personnel. The WHO Director General is additionally mandated to report to the World Health Assembly every 3 years.
WHO Member States completed the 3rd round of national reporting in March 2019. The WHO Director General reported progress on implementation to the 72nd World Health Assembly in May 2019 (A 72/23). The 3rd Round of National Reporting additionally informed the Member-State led Review of the Code’s relevance and effectiveness, as presented to the 73rd WHA in 2020 (A 73/9).
The Review highlights that Code implementation, through targeted support and safeguards, is necessary to ensure that Health Emergency and Universal Health Coverage-related progress in Member States serves to reinforce rather than compromise similar achievement in others. In light of the considerations in the Report and decision WHA 73(30), the WHO Secretariat has additionally prepared the Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List, 2020.
The National Reporting Instrument (NRI) is a country-based, self-assessment tool for information exchange and Code monitoring. The NRI enables WHO to collect and share current evidence and information on the international recruitment and migration of health personnel. The findings from the 4th Round of National Reporting are to be presented at the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NRI (2021) has been adapted to additionally capture information related to health personnel recruitment and migration in the context of the pandemic.
The deadline for submitting reports is 31 January 2022.
Should technical difficulties prevent national authorities from filling in the online questionnaire, it is also possible to download the NRI via the link: https://www.who.int/teams/health-workforce/migration/code-nri. Please complete the NRI and submit it, electronically or in hard copy, to the following address:
Health Workforce Department
Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems
World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
hrhinfo@who.int
Disclaimer: The data and information collected through the National Reporting Instrument will be made publicly available via the WHO web-site following the proceedings of the 75th WHA in 2022. The quantitative data collected will be updated on and available through the National Health Workforce Accounts online platform. (http://www.who.int/hrh/statistics/nhwa/en/).
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Please describe
Disclaimer
[disclaim]
For more information on WHO Data Policy kindly refer to http://www.who.int/publishing/datapolicy/en/
For more information on WHO Data Policy kindly refer to http://www.who.int/publishing/datapolicy/en/
I have read and understood the WHO policy on the use and sharing of data collected by WHO in Member States outside the context of public health emergencies
Designated National Authority Contact Details
[q01b]
Contact information:
Country
Bahrain
Full name of institution:
Noora
Name of designated national authority:
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Title of designated national authority:
ADVISOR
Telephone number: (E.g. +41227911530 .)
0097339686112
Email: (Please enter one email address only.)
NSabt@health.gov.bh,hrhinfo@who.int
Implementation of the Code
[q1]
1. Has your country taken steps to implement the Code?
Yes
[q1x1x]
1.1 Actions have been taken to communicate and share information across sectors on the international recruitment and migration of health personnel, as well as to publicize the Code, among relevant ministries, departments and agencies, nationally and/or sub-nationally.
Yes
[q1x1]
Action 1
There are Civil Service laws consistent with the WHO Global Code of Practice on the
International Recruitment which are published on Civil Service Bureau website. In the Ministry of Health, all International Health Personnel are oriented on these laws and regulations according to their contracts signed by them. however, the non-governmental have their own regulations and policies for recruitment but not against Bahrain Laws.
Action 2
Action 3
[q1x2x]
1.2 Measures have been taken or are being considered to introduce changes to laws or policies consistent with the recommendations of the Code.
Yes
[q1x2]
Measure 1
The national laws are updated periodically to introduce the changes recommended
by the WHO Code of practice but not against the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and labor market regulations.
Measure 2
Measure 3
[q1x3x]
1.3 Records are maintained on all recruiters authorized by competent authorities to operate within their jurisdiction.
Yes
[q1x3]
Please describe:
All International recruiters, selected by Ministry of Health, are authorized and accredited by the (CSB) for hiring all civil service employees. Records are maintained for these recruiters and National Health Regulatory (NHRA) for all health professional.
[q1x4x]
1.4 Good practices, as called for by the Code, are encouraged and promoted among recruitment agencies.
Yes
[q1x4]
Please describe:
1.4.1 Promotion of the Code among private recruitment agencies.
1.4.2 Domestic legislation or policy requiring ethical practice of private recruitment agencies, as consistent with the principles and articles of the Code.
1.4.3 Public or private certification of ethical practice for private recruitment agencies.
1.4.4 Others
All International recruiters are adhered by the terms of the Agreement signed by them with the Civil Service Bureau and according to LMRA regulations..
[q1x5x]
1.5 Measures have been taken to consult stakeholders in decision-making processes and/or involve them in activities related to the international recruitment of health personnel.
Yes
[q1x5]
Measure 1
All Ministry of Health hospitals and health centers are involved in all interviews for hiring and
retaining processes related to international health personnel by their representatives.
Measure 2
All MOH departments are involved and permitted in reviewing and renewal of the international health workers.
Measure 3
Appointed employees from the MOH share other authorities such as NHRA in the approval of the license of practice of the international health personnel
[q1x6x]
1.6 Other steps:
No
Partnerships, Technical Collaboration and Financial Support 1/2
[q2x1]
2.1. Has your country provided technical or financial assistance to one or more WHO Member States, particularly developing countries, or other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Code?
2.1.1 Specific support for implementation of the Code
2.1.2 Support for health system strengthening
2.1.3 Support for health personnel development
2.1.4 No support provided
2.1.5 Other areas of support:
[q2x2]
2.2. Has your country received technical or financial assistance from one or more WHO Member States, the WHO secretariat, or other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Code?
2.2.1 Specific support for implementation of the Code
2.2.2 Support for health system strengthening
2.2.3 Support for health personnel development
2.2.4 No support received
2.2.5 Other areas of support:
Partnerships, Technical Collaboration and Financial Support 2/2
[q3]
3. Has your country or its sub-national governments entered into bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements and/or arrangements with respect to the international recruitment and migration of health personnel?
Yes
[q3xTitle]
Title of Agreement
| Title | Web-link to agreement | Upload the full text of the agreement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agreement 1 | bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements | ||
| Agreement 2 | |||
| Agreement 3 | |||
| Agreement 4 | |||
| Agreement 5 |
[q3xUploadx1]
Bahrain agreements
No comment
[q3xUploadx2]
[q3xUploadx3]
[q3xUploadx4]
[q3xUploadx5]
[q3xTOA]
If you cannot share the full text of the agreement please fill :
| Type of Agreement | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements (SQ001) | Regional (A3) | National (A1) |
| (SQ002) | ||
| (SQ003) | ||
| (SQ004) | ||
| (SQ005) |
[q3xMCA]
Main content of agreement
(check all that apply)
| Education and training | Institutional capacity building | Promotion of circular migration | Retention strategies | Recognition of health personnel | Recruitment of health personnel | Twinning of health care facilities | Other mechanism (include details if possible): | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
[q3xCHP]
Categories of Health Personnel (check all that apply)
| Doctors | Nurses | Midwives | Dentists | Pharmacists | Other (include details as necessary) : | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
[q3xVP]
Validity period
| From: | To: | |
|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements (SQ001) | 2018 (2018) | 2021 (A30) |
| (SQ002) | ||
| (SQ003) | ||
| (SQ004) | ||
| (SQ005) |
[q3xCN]
Countries that are involved
bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements
refer to the attached
[q3xSYC]
Signatory of the agreement from your country
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Ministry of Health | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Trade | Ministry of Labour | Ministry of Immigration /Home Affairs | Other: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements | 1 | ||||||
[q3xSPC]
Signatory of the agreement from the partner country (ies)
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Ministry of Health | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Trade | Ministry of Labour | Ministry of Immigration /Home Affairs | Other: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements | 1 | ||||||
[q3xCOP]
Does the agreement explicitly reference the Code?
bilateral, multilateral, or regional agreements
Yes
Health Workforce Development and Health System Sustainability
[q4]
4. Does your country strive to meet its health personnel needs with its domestically trained health personnel, including measures to educate, retain and sustain a health workforce that is appropriate for the specific conditions of your country, including areas of greatest need?
Yes
[q4x1x]
4.1 Measures taken to educate the health workforce
Yes
[q4x1]
4.1.1 Manage production
4.1.2 Improve quality of education
4.1.3 Strengthen regulation
4.4 Others
[q4x2x]
4.2 Measures taken to ensure the sustainability* of the health workforce
Yes
[q4x2]
4.2.1 Workforce planning/forecasting
4.2.2 Increasing domestic production and education opportunities
4.2.3 Increasing employment opportunities
4.2.4 Manage recruitment of international health personnel
Other
[q4x3x]
4.3 Measures taken to address the geographical mal-distribution and retention of health workers*
No
[q4x4x]
4.4 Other relevant measures
No
[q5]
5. Are there specific policies and/or laws that guides international recruitment, migration and integration of foreign-trained health personnel in your country?
Yes
[q5x1]
5.1 Please provide further information in the box below:
Law/policy 1
According to the provisions of Article (11) of the Law No. (19) of 2006 concerning the regulation of labour market.the Recruitment Office in the LMRA: the office which undertakes the responsibility of searching a suitable worker for an employer, and facilitates the conclusion of an employment contract between the two parties
Law/policy 2
A permit issued by the Authority according to the provisions of Law No. (19) of 2006 Concerning the Regulation of Labour Market, for an employer hiring a foreign worker, appointed according to the terms and conditions specified in the permit.
Law/policy 3
The Bureau also acts as an official sponsor for all non-Bahraini employees in relation to obtaining work and residency visa, transferring requests to the responsible government entity and processing family residency visa and visit visas requests
[q6x]
6. Recognizing the role of other government entities, does the Ministry of Health have processes (e.g. policies, mechanisms, unit) to monitor and coordinate across sectors on issues related to the international recruitment and migration of health personnel?
Yes
[q6x1]
6.1 Please provide further information in the box below:
- There are clear laws and regulations for internationally recruited health personnel, within the Civil Service.
- The National Health Regulatory Authority assesses and recognizes foreign qualifications for all international doctors, nurses and allied health personnel aligned with the CSB requirements.
[q7x]
7. Has your country established a database or compilation of laws and regulations related to international health personnel recruitment and migration and, as appropriate, information related to their implementation?
Yes
[q7x1x]
7.1.a Please provide further information in the box below.
The CSB is responsible to keep a legal database for all international health personnel recruited by all sectors. However, the NHRA also has a data base of all licensed international health personnel. However, the MOH owns its own database for all related information.
[q7x2x]
7.1.b Please upload any format of documentation that provides such information (e.g. pdf, excel, word)
Upload document:
Responsibilities, Rights and Recruitment Practices
[q8x]
8. Which legal safeguards and/or other mechanisms are in place to ensure that migrant health personnel enjoy the same legal rights and responsibilities as the domestically trained health workforce? Please tick all options that apply from the list below:
8.1 Migrant health personnel are recruited internationally using mechanisms that allow them to assess the benefits and risk associated with employment positions and to make timely and informed decisions regarding them
8.2 Migrant health personnel are hired, promoted and remunerated based on objective criteria such as levels of qualification, years of experience and degrees of professional responsibility on the same basis as the domestically trained health workforce
8.3 Migrant health personnel enjoy the same opportunities as the domestically trained health workforce to strengthen their professional education, qualifications and career progression
8.4 Other mechanisms, please provide details below if possible:
[q9x]
9. Please submit any other comments or information you wish to provide regarding legal, administrative and other measures that have been taken or are planned in your country to ensure fair recruitment and employment practices of foreign-trained and/or immigrant health personnel.
The Civil Service Bureau regulates and oversees all public sector vacancies. The Bureau is required to announce vacancies, negotiate employment terms with candidates or international recruitment agencies and process offer letters in coordination with the concerned government authority. Non-Bahrainis can only be hired once the recruitment process is completed for a Bahraini national. If a Bahraini national with the appropriate skill set is not available for the vacancy, the government entity can hire an expatriate. Non-Bahraini are hired when a specialized skill or experience is required.
[q10x]
10. Regarding domestically trained/ emigrant health personnel (diaspora) working outside your country, please submit any comments or information on measures that have been taken or are planned in your country to ensure their fair recruitment and employment practices, as well as difficulties encountered
Measure 1
The national legislation in the Kingdom of Bahrain is distinguished in the field of equality, as it did not discriminate between individuals on the basis of gender, race, origin, color, and others. The Bahraini legislator was keen to implement the principle of gender equality and between national and expatriate workers and other groups in society.
Measure 2
The Bahraini Labor Law and the Trade Unions Law, in which the Bahraini legislator drew on the expertise of the International Labor Organization and referred to international labor standards and international labor conventions, it did not differentiate between types of workers according to gender, race or color. Considering whether the worker is male or female, a citizen or an expatriate
Measure 3
Data on International Health Personnel Recruitment & Migration
[iq11]
Improving the availability and international comparability of data is essential to understanding and addressing the global dynamic of health worker migration.
[q11]
11. Does your country have any mechanism(s) or entity(ies) to maintain statistical records of foreign-born and foreign-trained health personnel?
Yes
[q11x1]
Please describe
The CSB and NHRA have their own mechanism of marinating a database system for all international health personnel including their demographic information, qualifications, certifications and training (external and internal). However, the MOH maintains its statistical records of all international health personnel working within its departments.
[iQ12]
12. Data on the active stock of health personnel, disaggregated by country of training and birth
Previous data shared with WHO is available here. Please liaise with your NHWA focal point and update as relevant.
For the latest year available, consistent with the National Health Workforce Accounts (NHWA) Indicators 1-07 and 1-08, please provide information on the total stock of health personnel in your country (preferably the active workforce1), disaggregated by the country of training (foreign-trained) and the country of birth (foreign-born). Please consult with your NHWA focal point, if available, to ensure that data reported below is consistent with NHWA reporting.
Previous data shared with WHO is available here. Please liaise with your NHWA focal point and update as relevant.
For the latest year available, consistent with the National Health Workforce Accounts (NHWA) Indicators 1-07 and 1-08, please provide information on the total stock of health personnel in your country (preferably the active workforce1), disaggregated by the country of training (foreign-trained) and the country of birth (foreign-born). Please consult with your NHWA focal point, if available, to ensure that data reported below is consistent with NHWA reporting.
[q12x0]
12.1 Consolidated stock of active health personnel
This information can be provided by one of the following three options. Please choose your preferred mode of data entry:
This information can be provided by one of the following three options. Please choose your preferred mode of data entry:
Option B: Download the Excel template with existing data and Upload with the updated data
Available only in MOH
[q12x1x3]
Upload any format of documentation that provides such information (e.g. pdf, excel, word).
[q13x2]
12.2 Top 10 countries of training for foreign-trained health personnel
Please provide data on the top 10 countries of training for foreign-trained health personnel in your country. This information can be provided by one of the following two options:
Please provide data on the top 10 countries of training for foreign-trained health personnel in your country. This information can be provided by one of the following two options:
Option B: Download the Excel template with existing data and Upload with the updated data
[q13x2x2]
Option B: Completion of the template in Excel
Download and Upload
Download and Upload
Please upload file (Maximum file size: 5MB)
قائمة بالدول التي تم ابتعاث موظفين وزارة الصحة و عدد الموظفين في كل دولة، و يتعذر علينا تحديد افضل عشر دول.
[q13x2x3]
Upload any format of documentation that provides such information (e.g. pdf, excel, word).
Please upload file
COVID-19 and Health personnel mobility
[q13]
13. Were measures undertaken at national or sub-national level in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to the temporary or permanent mobility of international health personnel?
13.1 No change in national or sub-national regulation, policy or processes related to the entry or exit of foreign-trained or foreign-born health personnel
13.2 National and/or sub-national regulation, policy or processes enacted to ease entry and integration of foreign-trained or foreign-born health personnel
13.3 National and/or sub-national regulation, policy or processes enacted to limit the exit of health personnel from country
13.4 Others
[q14]
14. Did you have a mechanism to monitor the inflow and outflow of health personnel to/from your country during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Inflow
Outflow
No
[q14x1]
14.1 How many foreign-trained or foreign-born health personnel were newly (inflow) active (temporarily and/or permanently) in your country in 2019 and 2020?
| Doctors | Nurses | Midwives | Dentists | Pharmacists | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Source (e.g. Regulatory authority, immigration records, work permits, etc.) Please ensure data source consistency for each category of personnel for the two years |
||||||
| 2020 | 157 | 1309 | 135 | *135 for allied health | ||
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | had enough resources |
[q14x2]
14.2 How many domestically-trained health personnel left (outflow) your country in 2019 and 2020 (for temporary or permanent migration)?
| Doctors | Nurses | Midwives | Dentists | Pharmacists | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Source (e.g. letters of good standing, emigration records, G-G agreements etc.) Please ensure data source consistency for each category of personnel for the two years |
NIL for all | |||||
| 2020 | ||||||
| 2019 |
[q15]
15. Please list any challenges related to ethical international recruitment of health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic
Please describe (e.g. active recruitment of ICU personnel)
Please describe (e.g. active recruitment of ICU personnel)
1st Challenge
NO challenges faced except FOR the rules of Aviation and countries restrictions
2nd Challenge
3rd Challenge
Constraints, Solutions, and Complementary Comments
[q16]
16. Please list in priority order, the three main constraints to the ethical management of international migration in your country and propose possible solutions
| Main constraints | Possible solution /Recommendation | |
|---|---|---|
| NO constrains | ||
[q17]
17. Is there any specific support your country requires to strengthen implementation of the Code?
17.1 Support to strengthen data and information
17.2 Support for policy dialogue and development
17.3 Support for the development of bilateral/multi-lateral agreements
17.4 Other areas of support:
No support is required
[q17x]
Other areas of support:
Support Area 1
Support Area 2
Support Area 3
[q18]
18. Submit any other complementary comments or material you may wish to provide regarding the international recruitment and migration of health personnel, as related to implementation of the Code.
No materials available at present
[q18x1]
Please upload any supporting files
Thank You
[iThank]
You have reached the end of the National Reporting Instrument - 2021. You may go back to any question to update your answers or confirm your entry by clicking ‘Submit’.