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A proposal requiring large companies to offer annual training for Bahraini university graduates will be debated on Sunday, as part of efforts to boost employment opportunities for citizens.
The services committee of the Shura Council backed the draft law in principle, describing it as a practical bridge between education outcomes and labour market needs.
The bill seeks to add a new article to the Vocational Training Law, obliging employers with 50 or more workers to train university graduates nominated by the Labour and Legal Affairs Ministry for no less than three months each year, at a rate of one trainee for every 50 employees.
After reviewing the draft, government and legal memoranda, and taking views from stakeholders including Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, the committee recommended approval with a refined legislative wording that leaves detailed conditions and controls to a ministerial decision for flexibility.
Committee chairwoman Dr Jameela Al Salman said the amendment would create a structured pathway for graduates entering the private sector.
“Training is not a substitute for employment, but a necessary step that equips graduates with the practical skills and professional exposure required by the labour market,” she said. “This proposal ensures that large employers play a direct role in preparing national talent for real jobs.”
She added that the current law provides a general obligation to train jobseekers, but does not specifically guarantee opportunities for university graduates, who represent a significant portion of those seeking work.
Dr Al Salman said involving major employers in structured graduate training reflects a shared national responsibility.
“Large establishments are key partners in economic and social development. Their contribution to training graduates strengthens human capital and creates an integrated relationship between the public and private sectors in workforce preparation,” she noted.
The committee concluded that dedicating a specific legal provision for graduate training complements – rather than duplicates – existing legislation, and directly addresses challenges faced by fresh graduates transitioning from education to employment.
According to 2025 data from the Labour Ministry cited in the report, 15,433 people were registered as jobseekers, of whom 69 per cent were university graduates.
Vice-chairman Talal Al Mannai said the committee adjusted the wording of the article in line with recommendations from the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission to ensure clarity.
“The law sets the core obligation, while the executive decision will regulate the details. This provides legal clarity while allowing the system to adapt to labour market changes,” he said.
Representatives from the Labour and Legal Affairs Ministry told the committee that the government already offers a wide range of free training programmes for jobseekers in co-ordination with Tamkeen.
Trainees are also eligible to receive unemployment insurance allowances during training – BD200 per month for graduates and BD150 for non-graduates – in accordance with the unemployment insurance law.
The ministry has also developed an integrated electronic platform that allows registered jobseekers to browse licensed training opportunities, apply according to their qualifications, and track their applications with employers and training centres.
Tamkeen affirmed that the proposal aligns with its mandate under Law No 57 of 2006 to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Bahraini workers and support private sector development.
MPs earlier rejected the proposal, citing duplication and overlap.
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