Several violations were recorded as more than 6,000 inspections were conducted by Tamkeen (Labour Fund) during the first half of the year.
The campaign was part of ongoing regulatory efforts to ensure support is directed to eligible beneficiaries.
The inspection visits targeted enterprises benefiting from various Tamkeen support programmes, including Employment Support, Career Progression and Enterprise Support.
These efforts also aim to address any gaps or violations identified in co-ordination with the relevant government entities.
In total, 6,200 inspection visits were carried out, leading to the identification of 25 violations.
Violations are managed according to type.
Administrative breaches, such as breaches of support requirements, regulations and policies in effect at Tamkeen, are addressed in accordance with the regulatory framework for violations related to suppliers and beneficiaries.
Penalties include recovery of disbursed funds, temporary suspension from Tamkeen support, or both.
Suspected criminal violations, such as illegal employment or wage manipulation, are referred to authorities, with Tamkeen retaining the right to impose administrative sanctions upon decisions issued by the relevant authorities.
“Strong co-operation with partner entities in reporting violations via the designated channels, reflect a shared commitment to serving the public interest and a collective awareness of the responsibility to safeguard public funds,” Tamkeen said in a statement yesterday.
“We stress the importance of full compliance with all terms and conditions outlined in support approvals, encourage beneficiaries to seek clarification on any support-related approvals, and call for co-operation with inspectors during visits.
“Beneficiaries are also urged to provide accurate information and documentation which contributes to enhancing the efficiency of oversight processes and ensuring that support is directed to those who are truly eligible.”
The statement added that Tamkeen will continuously work to enhance its internal processes and take the necessary actions regarding any identified violations.
It renewed its call to beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of support programmes to report any suspected violations through its dedicated channels, including www.tamkeen.bh/whistleblowing-form/, or by calling the hotline at 17383383, or by email at report@tamkeen.bh.
The GDN recently reported that an urgent parliamentary proposal was submitted to tighten oversight on wage support programmes administered by Tamkeen following repeated cases of fraud committed by some private sector institutions.
Spearheaded by Parliament’s services committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Olaiwi, the proposal calls for the implementation of stricter verification procedures to ensure that only genuinely employed Bahrainis benefit from Tamkeen’s financial support.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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