People of determination are set to receive priority consideration for 72 government job titles, as authorities step up efforts to enhance their integration into the labour market.
The move was revealed in a written response by Labour and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf to a parliamentary question submitted by MP Mohammed Al Maarifi on employment initiatives for those facing challenges.
The minister confirmed that co-ordination is underway with the Civil Service Commission after it recently identified around 72 job titles in which qualified persons with disabilities should be given priority for appointment in the public sector. However, the jobs have not been specified in the reply.
Mr Khalaf
The GDN understands they include financial, administrative and technical job opportunities in accounting, computing, auditing, data analysis and call centre roles.
“The ministry is committed to employing and integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs in line with Law No (74) of 2006 concerning the care, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities and its amendments,” Mr Khalaf said.
He clarified that Article (12) of the law grants the minister discretionary – not mandatory – authority to issue a decision specifying government posts reserved for priority employment.
“The legal text uses the term ‘may’, which clearly indicates optional authority rather than a binding obligation,” he said. “The absence of a formal decision does not constitute a breach of the law.”
Mr Khalaf explained that the diversity of disabilities – including mobility, hearing and visual, intellectual and cognitive, communication and multiple disabilities – makes it legally and practically difficult to issue a comprehensive, fixed list of roles.
People of determination being served by the Disabled Services Centre
“Each case requires an individual assessment of abilities and skills,” he said. “A general list may not reflect practical realities and could expose government entities to legal liability.”
However, he stressed that active discussions are taking place with the Civil Service Commission to study the identified job titles ‘comprehensively and responsibly’.
The minister highlighted expanded support measures in the private sector, including a wage support programme launched in co-operation with Tamkeen.
Under the scheme, financial aid for employees with disabilities reaches 80 per cent in the first year, 60pc in the second year and 40pc in the third year – higher than regular wage support programmes.
“This enhanced support reflects the government’s determination to make persons with disabilities the optimal choice for employers,” Mr Khalaf said.
As of October 2025, 288 job-seekers with disabilities were registered with the Labour and Legal Affairs Ministry, while 1,589 vacancies were either allocated to them or open for their nomination.
“The number of available vacancies exceeds the number of registered job-seekers,” he noted. “However, the decision to accept employment ultimately rests with the job-seeker and the employer.”
The electronic system linking the Labour Ministry and the Social Development Ministry has also been adapted to sort and display suitable vacancies automatically. Employers hiring persons with disabilities receive certification allowing them to count such employees at double weight when calculating Bahrainisation rates with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Under Article (11) of the law, companies employing 50 or more workers must allocate at least two per cent of their workforce to qualified persons with disabilities.
Out of 1,455 establishments employing more than 50 workers – 376 are obligated to meet the quota. Meanwhile, 375 smaller establishments with fewer than 50 workers have voluntarily hired persons with disabilities despite not being legally required to do so.
As of November 2025, 1,302 people with disabilities were employed in the private sector.
Mr Khalaf said the ministry has adopted preventive measures before issuing violations against non-compliant firms.
“These include direct communication with employers, official warning letters urging corrective action, and awareness and guidance events to clarify working conditions and ensure safe environments that meet employees’ needs,” he said.
He did not specify how many cases were referred to the Public Prosecution but emphasised that enforcement remains ongoing. “In co-ordination with all relevant authorities, we will continue implementing initiatives that prioritise Bahraini citizens in employment and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into workplaces,” he added.
“Serious steps forward are being taken to strengthen inclusive employment policies targeting people of determination across government and the private sector.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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