BAHRAINISATION in the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, and affiliate companies has reached 73 per cent.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Mohammed Al Kaabi, who is also politically responsible for Mumtalakat, told the Shura Council in writing yesterday that only 27pc of the employees were expatriates.
He was responding to a question on Bahrainisation rates.
“The executive posts held by Bahrainis are 76pc of the total jobs, 78pc are directors and heads, 72pc are in specialised and vocational jobs, and 76pc in administrative duties,” said the minister.
“The 27pc expatriate employees in Mumtalakat and affiliate companies cost 21pc of our full annual spending on manpower,” he added.
“There are 45 outsourcing contracts signed with manpower agencies for local and foreign workers, with the duration being three to 44 months.
“Those contracts are for limited jobs such as cleaning, maintenance, gardening, handling and storage, and security.”
He added that those jobs are not part of Mumtalakat’s direct employment policies.
“We are more focused on long-term employment for Bahrainis that serves Mumtalakat and affiliate companies’ visions, operations and improvement of work.”
Meanwhile, Shura members were also notified during their weekly session yesterday about two written responses to questions by members.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said an environmental impact assessment study for Bahrain’s five new off-shore towns is set to be completed by the end of the year.
She added that the Urban Planning and Development Authority has hired a specialised consultancy firm to study the proposed sites and submit reports.
The study would address all environmental aspects that need to be protected during the various phases of work.
Insurance
The five towns would be in Fasht Al Jarem, Suhaila Island, Fasht Al Azm, Bahrain Bay and Hawar Islands.
In another response on insurance for domestic workers, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan said manpower agencies have to provide replacements if housemaids or other domestic workers leave their place of work within the first three months.
“Employers have the right to complain against manpower agencies that fail to provide replacements during the period,” said Mr Humaidan, who is also Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman.
“Optional insurance policies are now being provided, which will allow employers to recover their cost partially if a worker runs away, leaves work, dies or suffers from paralysis or a chronic disease.
“Insurance firms will also reimburse employers if a domestic worker is involved in an accident and needs treatment, or has to be repatriated after death.”
Meanwhile, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh read out a statement hailing the success of the Arab League Summit held in Jeddah on Friday, welcoming all member countries to the next session in Bahrain in 2024.
The upper chamber of the National Assembly unanimously voted to accept for review an amendment to Article 18 of the 1989 Social, Cultural, Sports and Youth Clubs, Organisations and Societies Law presented by five members.
It would see Bahrain’s clubs, organisations and societies allowed to invest their surplus funds in the local market.
Under the current regulations, these agencies are prohibited from conducting political activity or financially speculative schemes.
There are around 650 registered charity and social organisations in Bahrain.
The legislation will be now reviewed by the services committee.
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