A TENSE verbal battle erupted in Parliament yesterday between Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan and MP Khalid Bu Onk over unemployment figures.
Mr Humaidan told Parliament that he had become used to the politician’s bitter barbs over the past five years following unfounded accusations that annual employment data had been tampered with.
“What’s only left for the MP is to say that I am responsible for the earthquake in Türkiye!” suggested Mr Humaidan.
“Our statistics are factual and the numbers of those employed are well publicised and all figures are available and can be verified through a computerised system,” he said.
“There are also new ambitious programmes being set up between the ministry and Tamkeen (labour fund) on the way people can gain accreditation through designated bodies in engineering, education and health specialisations, for example, before starting work.”
He added that training opportunities were also set to target secondary school students in partnership with the Education Ministry in the near future.
Also, a dozen paid vocational handiwork training courses had failed to attract interest, which he described as ‘unfortunate’.
Mr Bu Onk shouted back that perhaps an earthquake would ‘shake the minister up’ and rudely referred to his follicly-challenged appearance as the banter became even bitterer.
“The statistics are exaggerated,” he claimed in the chamber. “Saying around 30,000 Bahrainis were employed last year is not reflected in reality as many Bahrainis are coming to us seeking jobs.
“Every year we hear about employment strategies. It’s all talk and the minister should await an earthquake to come on his head.”
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said its ministry had achieved 85 per cent Bahrainisation in administration, teaching and other faculty staff posts and the plan was to reach 100pc.
“We have an extensive plan with the Bahrain Teachers’ College to get Bahraini replacements in rare specialisations that we are currently being forced to fill with expats,” he said.
“Bahrainisation was 79pc in 2019 and an additional 6pc has been achieved in 2022 and there will be more on the way as we reach 100pc. Bahrainis are our first, second, third and fourth and eternal choice and that’s why they are the majority amongst our 19,000 strong workforce.”
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, who is politically responsible for the Civil Service Commission, said 88pc of expats hired for government jobs were in health, education and higher education posts.
“The other 12 are divided on miscellaneous jobs,” he explained. “Bahrainisation is very high in all government jobs. They are not ‘expat dominant’ and never will be.”
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who is also Social Insurance Organisation board chairman, said an updated study on new pension reforms is currently underway.
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