Unemployment among citizens was among the issues debated in Parliament yesterday, with MPs warning of its social consequences, including financial hardship and psychological distress.
First deputy speaker MP Jaleela Al Sayed said the issue required practical solutions that matched jobseekers’ qualifications with available vacancies.
Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam suggested the government should find jobs for Bahrainis with at least two unemployed siblings.
The responses came as newly elected legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Dr Abdulhakim Al Sheno highlighted the case of six orphaned sisters, five of whom are unemployed, while their eldest sister works at the Interior Ministry and supports the family.
Dr Al Sheno called for greater fairness and transparency in employment, stressing that vulnerable Bahrainis should not be left struggling when they were capable of contributing to the workforce.
Meanwhile, MP Hamad Al Doy turned the spotlight on recruitment in state-owned companies, questioning why qualified Bahrainis remained jobless while expatriates continued to hold positions in government-linked businesses.
He highlighted the substantial expenditure on expatriate salaries and called for greater employment opportunities for Bahraini jobseekers.
He also noted that some Bahrainis were working as cashiers at eateries or in private security companies despite holding qualifications for other career opportunities.
Mr Al Doy argued that government-linked companies should do more to identify vacancies that Bahrainis could fill and ensure that citizens were not overlooked when recruitment decisions were made.
Newly elected public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Hisham Al Awadhi recounted receiving a message from a mother whose three daughters were allegedly receiving psychiatric treatment amid the distress associated with unemployment.
MP Abdulwahid Qarata warned that unemployment and financial difficulties could trigger wider social problems, with prolonged uncertainty taking a toll on people’s mental health and family stability.
Meanwhile, MP Bassema Mubarak who was criticised for bringing up topics on mosques, car parking and public gardens demanded respect from colleagues saying that all issues were of value and importance.
&uuid=(email))