Minister of Labor Jamil Humaidan said that foreign investments amounting to $1.737 billion were attracted in 2023, as government policies in providing job opportunities for citizens depend on the Kingdom’s ability to attract investments and establish major projects, as the Economic Development Board negotiates to obtain value-added vacancies.
He pointed out that the national economy obtained 5,792 new jobs, and the annual target rate for jobs exceeding one thousand dinars reached 1,800 jobs in 2023 through investments by foreign companies in 85 projects, according to the Economic Development Board report issued in February 2024.
In his response to a parliamentary question by Shura Council member Hani Al-Saati, he pointed out that government policies depend in providing job opportunities on an integrated system of balanced plans and procedures, as the plans depend on supporting the growth of the private sector in generating job opportunities.
He added, “The activity of the economy and the generation of decent job opportunities for citizens in the private sector depends primarily on the Kingdom’s ability to attract foreign investments, and this requires the openness of the Bahraini labor market and its keeping pace with global changes, and that the regulated environment be attractive from a legislative and regulatory standpoint through the facilities granted, and are followed in This is a policy of stimulating and supporting the private sector to generate suitable job opportunities by addressing the cost gap and the skill gap, which makes Bahrainis in demand in the labor market.”
He stated that various sectors and activities, without exception and in a varying manner, are obligated to Bahrainization rates, based on the degree of interest and desire of Bahrainis in the professions available to them, and this is applied automatically (electronically), and a parallel fee is imposed on each work permit for foreign workers in the event that the establishment does not adhere to the percentage. Prescribed Bahrainisation.
He added, “These percentages are subject to continuous evaluation, and in order to obtain government tenders, it is required to adhere to the stipulated Bahrainization percentages, noting that the Bahraini worker has proven his ability to compete due to his skill in the labor market, which has led to many attractive establishments voluntarily relying on national labor and achieving it.” High Bahrainization rates.”
He said that wage support programs have been provided that increase the level of incentives for business owners, so that the Bahraini worker receives support of up to 70% for the first year, 50% for the second year, and 30% for the final year, and this includes all national workers who hold all qualifications.
He added, “Employers are encouraged to increase wages by raising the wage subsidy ceiling that extends to 3 years. The wage subsidy ceiling for university graduates has been raised to 800 dinars, to 600 dinars for diploma holders, and to 450 dinars for those with a secondary qualification or less.”
He stated that in order to support the cost of improving the wages of Bahrainis employed in the private sector who are on the job, a program was launched to increase and improve the wages of workers in the private sector whose salaries are less than 1,500 dinars. Benefit from it, and any employer can increase the salaries of his employees, as this increase is supported for a period 24 months, provided that it is not more than 20% and not less than 5% of the original salary.
He stated that fees are imposed on employing foreign workers, with 80% of the total fees going to the Tamkeen Labor Fund, which uses them to empower Bahraini workers in the private sector and create job opportunities for them, as well as tightening fines for violators of the law regulating the labor market, especially violating the employment of foreign workers. Without a permit, the fine ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 dinars for each violating worker.
He stated that a special program was provided to support the employment of engineers for a period of 5 years in order for them to obtain a license to practice the profession in accordance with the requirements of the Council for the Practice of Engineering Professions, and the ceiling of support was raised to reach 1,000 dinars, in addition to the creation of a support program dedicated to law graduates, and the program provides training opportunities at licensed law firms. The trainees are given a reward of 300 dinars per month for two years, depending on the period required to pass the period of training as a lawyer and in preparation for obtaining a license to practice the profession of a practicing lawyer.
He said that wages for hiring new doctors and dentists were supported for a period of 3 years, and the salary cap for working doctors and dentists was raised to a maximum of 1,000 Bahraini dinars and a minimum of 800 Bahraini dinars, in addition to providing incentives to hospitals and medical centers in the private sector that achieve a Bahrainization rate equal to 25% of doctors. The facility will receive 10% per month of the cost of Bahraini doctors’ salaries in the first year, 20% in the second year, and 30% in the third year.
He continued, “Introducing a special program to improve the wages of Bahraini doctors previously employed in the private sector, enabling the increase in salary exceeding 600 dinars by 200 dinars for a year, and introducing a qualification program to train private sector doctors in the government sector while continuing to work in the private sector, so that Accommodating a number of doctors working in the private sector to work in government hospitals two days a week for a specified period to provide them with specialized experience, and the Tamkeen Labor Fund, in coordination with local banks, supports educational loans of up to 30,000 dinars to provide doctors with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies such as master’s and others.”
He added that the Ministry works in partnership with other government agencies within government policies, initiatives and plans and the priorities it sets for various government agencies, especially with regard to managing the labor market and enhancing Bahraini employment advantage, as it has developed plans represented by the government program for the years 2023-2026, and the economic recovery plan 2021-2024. Which was launched by the government in October 2021 and includes 5 main initiatives, foremost of which is the initiative to create promising job opportunities to make Bahrainis the first choice in the labor market, which aims to employ 20,000 people and train 10,000 job seekers annually until 2024.
He continued, “The National Plan for Regulating the Labor Market 2023-2026, which was approved by the Council of Ministers and published in the Official Gazette, aims to create quality job opportunities for citizens to make them the first choice in the labor market, and align education outcomes with the needs of the labor market, in addition to strengthening partnership with the private sector and developing… Local and foreign investments in the Kingdom with further strengthening of supervision and regulation and the development of labor legislation and laws that encourage attracting various investments and controlling the movement of workers in the labor market.”
He stated that the plan also includes Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which is based on the principles of justice, sustainability and competitiveness, and the applicable legislation regulating the labor market, most notably the Labor Law in the Private Sector, Unemployment Insurance, Vocational Training, the Labor Market Regulation Law, and others.
Humaidan said that in order to achieve the goal of compatibility between the needs of the labor market and the numbers of graduates in various scientific and professional specializations, the Ministry of Labor coordinates with several bodies, including the Higher Education Council and the Ministry of Education, in addition to both the University of Bahrain and the Bahrain Polytechnic University, to ensure greater compatibility between the outcomes of university education and the needs of the market. the job.
He added, “Focusing on the specializations required by analyzing the information in the database of the Ministry and the Labor Market Regulatory Authority regarding the specializations for which there is high, medium, or low demand, in addition to the professions that are in demand in the labor market and that Bahrainis do not want to fill, and developing solutions for the specializations that face Difficulty integrating into the labor market.”
He pointed out that the Ministry periodically provides agencies with the specializations of job seekers, evaluates the extent of demand in the labor market for university specializations, and also provides the Ministry of Education with its visions for scholarships and others.
He stated that the Ministry is cooperating with the Ministry of Education to encourage the absorption of new school graduates into the vocational education and training system, whereby proposals are being developed to assimilate them in preparation for their integration into the labor market and introduce them to the craft and technical professions available in the labor market and the level of wages and their future development through the assistance of mentors with qualifications. Experience and leadership to guide and qualify students and job seekers towards integration into the labor market.
Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry cooperates with various parties in organizing Career Day at universities to direct students towards jobs and skills required in the labor market.
He stated that the Ministry is working with the rest of the partners to complete the project of professional levels and standards and measure the skill level to issue professional licenses for the purpose of regulating the practice of professions in the labor market in accordance with established professional standards, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. (17) of 2007 regarding vocational training, which will lead to the creation of opportunities. A new job position for job seekers in professions for which the Ministry and other government agencies issue professional licenses, as it will contribute to helping educational and training institutions design curricula and programs in accordance with professional standards and thus in accordance with the needs of the jobs required for the labor market, which will lead to outputs that match the needs of the labor market.
He said that the terms and conditions of the Unemployment Insurance Law include training job seekers at Bahrain Polytechnic. They are trained in many training programs for the purpose of rehabilitating graduates from specializations that are not required in the labor market, in rehabilitation programs for a period ranging between 6-12 months and providing them with the skills required in The labor market is expected to benefit about 3,000 university graduates.
He said that the conditions also include the training program with employment guarantee, which is a program through which a number of job seekers are employed in private sector institutions, in which the institutes, in cooperation with business owners, provide jobs when they pass the training program under the supervision of the Ministry of Labor, by training them in programs related to those required jobs. From employers.
He continued, “The training includes the theoretical and practical aspects, and after completing the training, the job seeker obtains a job guarantee, in addition to a professional or vocational certificate depending on the type of training program and the nature of the profession, noting that the training programs for the Daman program are announced through the Ministry’s website with the aim of Encouraging job seekers to register in various programs.”
He pointed out that development features have been added to this program to make it a professional and skilled program with the obligation to train the researcher on the job as part of the program, and it is called the comprehensive training program, which is a program that combines specialized theoretical training related to the targeted professions and the most important job skills in addition to on-the-job training. Working in sectors required in the labor market.
He stated that for the purpose of encouraging technical and vocational education, programs have been developed to support vocational apprenticeship, as apprenticeship is on-the-job training in parallel with theoretical training, and 50% of the trainee’s remuneration provided by the employer will be supported and extends to three years.
Regarding supporting training and career development for employees on the job, he said that skill programs have been expanded to develop the skills of Bahraini employees and train them, as the entire cost of training programs for employees that the employer offers to its employees is supported, as the employer used to pay 50% of the training cost. In the new program, Tamkeen will pay 100% of the training cost, which has encouraged employers to train and develop Bahraini employees in the workplace.
He pointed out that in order to encourage Bahrainis to engage in skill training, rewards are being paid to trainees whose wages are less than 600 dinars, which will encourage Bahrainis to develop, advance, and train in skills required in the labor market.
He pointed out that wages are being subsidized for new leadership and executive positions for a period of up to 24 months, with the aim of promoting Bahrainis in attractive jobs and raising their income level.
Regarding supporting and developing support services for the employment of Bahrainis in the private sector, the Minister stated that an electronic system has been created to provide easy services for employment, training, and unemployment insurance to serve job seekers and employers, and it is considered an integrated database about job seekers, available vacancies, recruitment processes, national training, and benefits. Unemployment, etc., and facilitates job seeker registration services, as the data of applicants for registration is pulled from various relevant government agencies.
He pointed out that unemployment insurance is paid to a job seeker for the first time or to someone who has worked for a period of more than 12 months for assistance at the rate of 150 dinars for non-university students and 200 dinars for university students for a period of 9 months every 12 months, and those who lost their job for reasons beyond their control are entitled to unemployment compensation of 60%. of salary for a period of 9 months and a maximum of 1,000 dinars per month would attract and motivate the job seeker to take the initiative to register with the Ministry, and applying the standards stipulated in Decree No. 78 of 2006 regarding unemployment insurance allows the Ministry to verify the ability, desire and seriousness of the job seeker to obtain A job to benefit from unemployment allowance.
He pointed out that the Ministry has established specialized marketing teams for each economic sector, which market to employers, introduce the advantages granted to employing Bahrainis, and obtain appropriate vacancies to feed the electronic employment fair. The Ministry is also working with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority on the initiative to advertise jobs in the press for a period of 3 weeks, where A number of 1,051 job titles (professions) suitable for citizens have been identified and will be transferred to the Ministry by the Labor Market Regulatory Authority.
He continued, “Marketing teams communicate with employers to obtain suitable vacancies for Bahrainis, nominate national workers during the 3-week waiting period, in addition to organizing group interviews for employment, as the Ministry provides the service of organizing group interviews for candidates chosen by the employer through the electronic system.” A number of offices, halls, and a team specialized in organizing employment interviews in the ministry and its affiliated centers have been prepared.”
He stated that the Ministry is working in coordination with the Supreme Council for Women with the aim of stimulating the integration of Bahraini women into the private sector, as the partial and remote work initiative for Bahraini women has been launched and has been integrated with programs to support wages and insure them and calculate them in the Bahrainiization rates.
Regarding supporting the employment of persons with disabilities, the Minister of Labor pointed out that the Ministry is working in light of the provisions of Law No. (74) of 2006 regarding the care, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities and within the framework of the executive plan for the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities for the years (2023-2027), which was launched in accordance with the vision of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain. To work to build a Bahraini society based on a comprehensive vision and an integrated framework to guarantee the rights and care of persons with disabilities, and a national commitment to the support and support provided by the government to enable this category to be integrated into Bahraini society and the labor market, as the Ministry works to register job seekers for persons with disabilities and provide all Employment, training and unemployment insurance services for them in accordance with current and applicable regulations and legislation.
He stated that the Ministry issues a certificate of compliance with the Bahrainization rate for private sector establishments after verifying the establishment’s compliance with the prescribed percentages, as local institutions are required to obtain this certificate in order to compete for government tenders.
He pointed out that the Ministry examines and evaluates local and international training programs provided by private training institutes in accordance with the latest international standards and practices, and ensures their suitability to the needs of various professions, which helps in integrating trainees into the labor market.
He pointed out that the Ministry provides a labor consultation service for the employer and the worker to provide legal protection for workers as a preventive measure before any labor dispute in order to protect the rights of workers and their stability in the labor market. The Ministry also intervenes in cases of total or partial employment reduction and ensures that employers do not exploit workers and intervenes in cases Dismissal by agreement between the parties to protect them and preserve their entitlements under the Labor Law.
He added, “The Ministry reviews the legal systems of companies and approves them before they enter into force in companies. It also provides an amicable settlement service in the event of a dispute between the employer and the employee, which contributes to creating a sound work environment for both parties. The Ministry has recently, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, registered Labor lawsuits for national workers, where the labor arbitrator at the Ministry of Labor registers the labor lawsuit to ensure that they obtain their labor rights and protect their labor gains.”
Regarding Tamkeen’s program for employment in leadership roles, he said that this program provided by Tamkeen aims to support Bahraini cadres to advance professionally by providing wage support to institutions as an incentive to employ Bahrainis in leadership and executive positions in the private sector, as it includes two categories: the first category, which is for jobs. The average employee’s minimum wage must be 800 dinars and he must occupy an administrative role and work directly under the supervision of senior or executive management. The second category is for the executive level in which the employee’s minimum wage must be 2000 dinars and he must occupy an administrative or executive role and work under the supervision of the CEO. Directly to the institution or the Board of Directors, noting that 50% of the wages of new employees in intermediate and administrative positions are paid for a period of 24 months, according to the approved maximum.”
Regarding the global practical training program, he pointed out that the program launched by Tamkeen aims to provide opportunities to enhance the skills of national cadres and accelerate their professional development by supporting employment and global job opportunities by establishing links with prestigious international companies, where financial grants are provided that cover part of the recruitment costs. , such as wages and travel costs according to the region up to the approved maximum.
He pointed out that the applicant for this program is required to be at least 18 years old, not be the owner of the institution, not be an external employee, and not have a first- or second-degree relationship with the employer.
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