In common with other GCC states, Bahrainisation efforts have been under scrutiny as a parliamentary committee which has been put in charge of investigating non-Bahrainisation of jobs in the public and private sector held a meeting. The issue was raised after it was found the Ministry of Information had 70% of Bahraini staff with temporary contracts. There was a pledge to take action after there had been issues as a result of a number of national employees opting for the Voluntary Retirement Programme. The committee asked that the Ministry include Bahrainisation rates as a contract term when signing agreements with private companies and take this matter into consideration when awarding tenders.