A total of 2,692 Bahrainis benefited from in-job training under the Foras programme last year, it has been revealed.
Acting Labour Minister and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf told MPs that 1,258 beneficiaries were females and 1,434 males.
A total of 1,757 individuals had bachelor’s degree or higher, 827 had secondary school certificates or lower, and 108 citizens had diplomas.
This compares to 1,619 citizens benefiting from the scheme in 2023, the minister said.
Mr Khalaf revealed the figures in response to a question by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom.
“Foras is one of the most successful employment programmes in the country, launched in partnership with Tamkeen, and there will be updates in the future,” he added.
“Hurdles, if any, are being addressed and dealt with immediately and this is reflected in the high numbers of beneficiaries and those getting employed while being trained.”
Meanwhile, Mr Khalaf, who is also acting Labour Market Regulatory Authority board chairman, said that 2024 ended with 17,402 jobseekers.
In response to a question by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas and MP Mohsin Al Asbool on unemployment, the minister revealed that 4,362 lost their monthly unemployment allowances for failure to report electronically, refusing multiple job opportunities, rejecting training and not showing interest in advertised suitable jobs.
“A total of 19,589 Bahrainis have benefited from various training programmes, supported by Tamkeen, last year,” said Mr Khalaf.
“The number of Bahrainis benefiting from unemployment allowance or financial support was around 15,000 in 2024.”
The minister will appear during the weekly session on Tuesday to respond to further queries by MPs.
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