.jpg?20260326')
THE government has been urged to conduct a labour market study, every four years, to assess the demand for various professions in both the public and private sectors.
The proposal, presented by five MPs led by Lulwa Al Romaihi, aims to address unemployment and guide graduates towards in-demand specialisations.
They believe that a regular workforce study would enable policymakers to identify trends, anticipate labour demands, and ensure that educational institutions align their programmes with the actual needs of the job market.
It will be debated and voted on during Tuesday’s weekly Parliament session.
“This initiative is about ensuring that young Bahrainis are equipped with the right skills for the future,” said Ms Al Romaihi.
“The job market is constantly evolving, and if we don’t take proactive steps, we risk having a growing mismatch between graduates’ qualifications and the actual needs of employers.”
She stressed that the study would help students and their families make better-informed decisions about education and career choices.
“Many young Bahrainis invest years in studying subjects that may not offer sufficient job opportunities upon graduation,” pointed out Ms Al Romaihi.
“By regularly assessing market demands, we can guide students toward careers where there is real demand, reducing unemployment and strengthening our economy.
“While existing efforts are commendable, we need a systematic, recurring study to ensure that our workforce development strategies remain dynamic and responsive.
“A labour market study every four years would provide valuable insights into emerging trends and future job needs.”
She said a structured and periodic study would enhance long-term planning.
Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission chief Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, whose agency plays a central role in government employment planning, acknowledged the importance of aligning education with labour market needs.
He said it was a national responsibility that required collaboration among multiple government agencies, including the commission.
“The commission already provides the Education Ministry with data on expected government job vacancies, which is used to develop the annual scholarship plan,” he said.
“The Bahraini government is continuously working to balance educational outputs with labour market needs, ensuring co-operation among relevant entities and developing strategies to achieve this balance.”
&uuid=(email))