Legislators have sought an open debate to discuss measures to reduce unemployment in Bahrain.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Al Marafi has submitted a proposal calling for an ‘urgent discussion’ on the issue, which he claims is now a ‘national priority’.
The proposal, that has garnered the support of 10 MPs, aims to address the challenges and obstacles faced by fresh entrants to the labour market and jobless Bahrainis.
It will be voted on during Tuesday’s session and scheduled later, if approved.
Mr Al Marafi has stressed the need to create sustainable employment opportunities for citizens, strengthen job security and address gaps in the labour market.
“We have a duty to ensure that every Bahraini, especially our youth, has access to dignified employment opportunities,” he said.
“The current situation requires immediate attention and this discussion will pave the way for practical and effective solutions.”
He highlighted several barriers faced by job seekers, including skill mismatches, limited openings in certain sectors, and competition from expatriate workers.
“It’s not just about creating jobs but also about empowering Bahrainis to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape,” he added.
“The proposal aims to shed light on the difficulties faced by new graduates entering the job market.
“Many young Bahrainis have reported frustration over a lack of relevant opportunities, with some citing discrepancies between their qualifications and the requirements of available jobs.”
Parliament’s second deputy speaker MP Ahmed Qarata pointed out the need to address the systemic issues in the labour market.
“From career guidance in schools to ensuring fair recruitment practices, there’s a lot of work to be done,” he noted.
“The future of our economy depends on how well we support our workforce today.”
The MPs are also expected to discuss initiatives to encourage private sector growth and investment, which could lead to increased job opportunities for citizens.
They will urge the government to provide more incentives for companies to hire Bahrainis and to develop training programmes aimed at enhancing their skills for emerging industries like technology, renewable energy and digital finance.
“We must create a framework where Bahrainis are not only employed but are at the forefront of our economic development,” said MP Jameel Hassan.
“The unemployment issue has sparked widespread concern among citizens, particularly after several reports highlighted a rise in joblessness over the past year,” he claimed.
“Social media has been flooded with discussions, with many people urging MPs to act decisively.”
MP Mohammed Al Rifai called for ‘real solutions’ and ‘not just promises’ by the authorities.
“Bahrainis have been applying for jobs for months without success,” he alleged, adding that it was “disheartening to see so many of them facing the same struggle”.
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