Top ministers yesterday pledged to find suitable jobs for Bahrainis with decent pay.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Hamad Al Malki, who is also politically responsible for Tamkeen (Labour Fund), told MPs during their weekly session that 41,000 Bahrainis benefited from Tamkeen’s various support schemes last year; this compared to 26,000 Bahrainis in 2023.
“A total of 11,990 Bahraini employees were included under the wage support programme and 15,580 other Bahrainis benefited from payment schemes last year,” he said.
“Of course, we oblige employers to set wages at a minimum first before we consider any support,” he explained.
“For those who have done secondary school or below it should be BD350 monthly, BD430 for diploma holders and BD500 for bachelor’s degree holders and above.
“This helped the average wage to jump from BD417 to BD472 excluding our support.”
Mr Al Malki
He said that since receiving the BD200 million grant from the Unemployment Fund at the end of 2023, Tamkeen has been able to provide more support for Bahrainis.
“Following consultation with Parliament, we changed the support for newcomers from three to five years.”
Meanwhile, Legal Affairs Minister and acting Labour Minister Yousif Khalaf said better results were expected in partnership with Parliament over employment plans.
“A total of 27,147 Bahrainis were employed last year – 8,631 newcomers and 18,516 changed jobs,” he said.
“This compares to 29,000 in 2023.
“We are finding or creating quality jobs for Bahrainis on a dynamic basis.
“There are market variables that we have to consider, but in general we are going on an balanced employment annual average.”
He added that some Bahrainis leave work to get the unemployment allowances.
“Employment is our priority and not putting people at home to get allowances.”
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, who is also politically responsible for the Civil Service Commission, said that the government was working to replace expats with suitable Bahrainis.
MPs were yesterday having an open debate on the rising unemployment issue in the kingdom.
The open debate proposal, spearheaded by financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Marafi, has garnered the support of 10 MPs.
It aimed to address the challenges and obstacles faced by fresh entrants to the labour market and jobless Bahrainis.
It focuses on measures to create sustainable employment opportunities, strengthen job security and address gaps in the labour market.
Mr Al Marafi said unemployment was a ‘national priority’.
“We have a duty to ensure that every Bahraini 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.
Parliament’s second deputy speaker Ahmed Qarata, one of the MPs supporting the proposal, pointed to the need to address 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. 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 locals.
They will urge the government to provide incentives for companies to hire Bahrainis and to develop training programmes aimed at enhancing 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 Jameel Hassan, another supporter of the proposal.
Mohammed Al Rifai called for real solutions, not just promises.
“Some Bahrainis have been applying for jobs for months without success; it’s disheartening to see so many of them facing the same struggle,” he said.
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