Tamkeen has been urged to introduce a special programme to support the wages of Bahraini athletes and sports’ professionals.
The proposal by five MPs, led by services committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Olaiwi, aims to help Bahraini athletes, coaches, and technical and administrative staff working under employment or professional contracts in all sports disciplines at local clubs for the entire duration of their contracts.
The legislators believe it would encourage Bahraini youth to pursue careers in the sports sector and create stable employment opportunities.
They also said it would alleviate the financial burden on local sports clubs and federations, and address delays in salary and bonus payments for sports professionals.
Tamkeen chief executive Maha Mofeez highlighted its existing programmes and initiatives that benefit all private-sector entities and eligible Bahrainis.
She acknowledged that players, coaches and technical and administrative staff in all sports disciplines at local clubs were already entitled to benefit from Tamkeen’s Wage Support Programme, which lasts between three to five years.
However, she added that the strategic approach is to balance financial support with long-term job sustainability.
Ms Mofeez raised concerns that the proposed initiative might lead to jobs becoming entirely dependent on continuous Tamkeen funding, regardless of the duration of sports contracts, which often vary from a few months to several years.
“This could result in economic challenges related to job stability and sustainability in the sports sector, making it difficult to ensure the long-term viability of these positions.”
MPs are also set to debate and vote on the following proposals:
* Oblige the Education Ministry to purchase the campus of the rented Sanabis Primary School for Girls, presented by five MPs led by MP Mamdooh Al Saleh.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma said work to purchase the campus and an adjacent property were in process pending relevant studies.
* Link civil service jobs and future vacancies with scholarships, under a proposal by five MPs led by Muneer Suroor.
Civil Service Commission Chief Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa said scholarships and employment were already based on individual needs by ministries and government bodies.
* Unifying road usage bans for trucks and heavy vehicles, presented by three MPs led by Lulwa Al Romaihi.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said increasing ban hours in certain areas would affect trade, economic activity and logistics.
* Launching a national fund to develop and support old residential areas. It has been presented by five MPs led by Hamad Al Doy.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said there were currently 207 public municipal facilities across the country.
The Capital Trustees Board and the Southern Municipal Council approved the proposal, while the Northern and Muharraq Municipal Councils described it as redundant.
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