FULL disclosure of actual unemployment rates in Bahrain was among 28 recommendations issued at the end of a two-day conference highlighting labour market needs in light of economic and social repercussions.
Encouraging local investments while also setting tighter control on foreign investment within efforts to create new job opportunities for citizens was also emphasised.
Recommendations were revealed at the conclusion of the “Social Dialogue Under Crisis” conference which concluded at the Gulf Hotel Convention and Spa yesterday.
The two-day forum was held under the patronage of Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan, in collaboration with the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU), the International Labour Organisation and the Bahrain Chamber.
“A clear plan for the labour market and control over the flow of expatriate workers must be developed according to conditions that serve the national economy, reduce local unemployment, curb the spread of illegal labour as well as reconsider the Flexi work permit system which confirmed its failure and negative impacts,” said a statement released by GFBTU.
“A general employment strategy must be created by restricting some jobs to citizens – similar to what Saudi Arabia has done – in addition to developing an economic plan aimed at halting an increase in the national debt.
“It is essential to control expenditure in the public budget and direct it towards the main productive and service sectors such as education and health while also establishing projects that absorb national labour.”
Recommendations also included increased monitoring of government spending while clubbing authorities within ministries to monitor their expenditure while holding them accountable.
The GFBTU also recommended restructuring the labour market in the private sector while also enforcing a minimum wage cap.
“There is a flaw that must be addressed in terms of providing foreign investors with additional benefits while restricting them from local investors and it is critical to ensure there is no conflict of interest when appointing officials in public posts.
“The allowance fund must be restructured and targeted towards the segments of society that are most in need while also ensuring that the legislative authority has the necessary tools and authority to monitor public funds and their management.
“Enhanced and elevated dialogue must be established between the three prongs of production which are the government, employers and employees in order to reach a beneficial solution.”
Members of the GFBTU also called for the creation of a legislation that guarantees the right to access information while taking qualitative leaps towards creating a suitable environment that enhances economic and social stability in Bahrain while serving the sustainable development process.
Recommendations also included preparing future jobs based on artificial intelligence through the development of educational plans and training programmes to ensure citizens can fill these jobs.
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