Nearly 3,000 Bahrainis are registered under the Productive Families Home Licence (Khatwa) programme, a landmark initiative by the Social Development Ministry to support home-based businesses and productive families by providing them with legal recognition, training and access to local and regional markets.
According to the latest figures presented to the Northern Municipal Council, 2,964 individuals are currently licensed under the scheme, which has grown steadily since its launch in 2010 and is now regarded as one of the most important drivers of Bahrain’s informal economy being integrated into the formal sector.
The initiative revolves around the “productive home licence”, which offers families a legal umbrella to conduct business from home, addressing what was once an unregulated sector, and opening pathways to professional development and financial sustainability.
The programme operates through a comprehensive services system: Registration Office dedicated to issuing work-from-home licences, a Centre of Excellence for Micro Enterprises that provides advice and consultations on administrative development and a Design and Innovation Centre to help participants improve product design, innovation and technical standards.
It also facilitates participation in exhibitions, professional courses and competitions inside and outside Bahrain. Permanent display centres in Manama and Isa Town provide year-round marketing outlets for products, alongside seasonal exhibitions across the kingdom.
To spread awareness, Northern Governorate constituency two councillor Bassem Abu Idrees hosted an open forum recently at the council headquarters in Budaiya. The event drew families, entrepreneurs and community members keen to learn about the support available.
The lecture was delivered by ministry family development department head Lulwa Al Ajaji, who detailed the programme’s benefits.
“The Khatwa programme provides families with professional consultations, free training courses and access to exhibitions and competitions both in Bahrain and abroad,” she said.
“It ensures that home-based businesses operate under a proper legal framework while giving them the chance to develop their skills, study financing options and benefit from social insurance coverage.”
Ms Al Ajaji also noted that the initiative specifically targets low-income families, unemployed individuals, retirees and women seeking to balance family life with economic participation.
Mr Abu Idrees praised the programme for attracting a large number of productive families and for its role in promoting entrepreneurship.
“We are witnessing a noticeable increase in registration rates, which reflects the trust and growing awareness of families about the benefits of the programme,” he said.
“Khatwa grants legal recognition to projects that were previously informal, while allowing their owners to benefit from social insurance. Municipal councils will continue to stand behind such initiatives as they connect citizens with government ministries in implementing pioneering developmental projects.”
He also lauded the Ata’a Women’s Committee for its ongoing contributions to community initiatives in Salman Town, emphasising the role of Bahraini women in development.
“Bahraini women have always been at the forefront of voluntary and developmental work, and their initiatives continue to strengthen our society,” Mr Abu Idrees added.
“With close to 3,000 people already benefiting, we believe the Khatwa programme will continue to expand, not only providing families with economic opportunities, but also showcasing Bahraini creativity, crafts, and entrepreneurial spirit across the region and beyond.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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