News
Best Achievements of Labour Ministry in 2022
18-02-2023
The Ministry of Labour continued its efforts in 2022 to accelerate the pace of employment in the private sector and promote an attractive and safe work environment, thanks to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and under the royal directives and prudent approaches of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This support has had an impact on the achievement of many achievements related to the employment and rehabilitation of nationals, not to mention reinforcing the stability of national employment in various private sector establishments, formulation of legislation and labour laws and social support for job seekers. Highlights of 2022: In the second year in a row, the Ministry of Labour implemented the initiatives of the National Labour Market Plan (2021-2023), which focuses on creating promising job opportunities and making the citizen the first choice in the labour market. It also aims to employ 20,000 Bahrainis and train 10,000 Bahrainis annually until 2024, as part of the economic recovery plan. In cooperation with private sector establishments, the ministry was able to achieve about 150% of the employment plan scheduled for 2022, by employing (29,995) Bahrainis in the private sector. The contributions of the e-Career Exhibition, which was launched on the ministry’s website (www.mlsd.gov.bh), proved to accelerate the pace of employment and make career options open to employers to choose what suits them from the national workforce. In addition, the broad set of jobs’ choices offered to the job seeker also helps him/her to select the job that suits his/her qualifications and abilities and to communicate directly with the establishments in which he/she wishes to work, which happens all under the direct supervision of the ministry. Compensation and Unemployment Support: The unemployment insurance system provides social protection to job seekers, or unemployment compensation for those who have been dismissed from their jobs. This system provides social protection for workers and job seekers through financial support during the period of unemployment. The number of beneficiaries of job seekers entitled to unemployment benefit and compensation reached about 29,000 beneficiaries after removing the repeated names from the monthly lists. The compensation and unemployment support e-services that are provided through the website of the ministry (www. mlsd. gov. bh), are represented via the service of updating data for job seekers and registering those dismissed from their jobs for reasons beyond their control in the compensation system. It also provides other services such as registering recurring claims for unemployment benefit and submitting grievances, inquiries, and complaints about unemployment. The system presentation also provides detailed data of the beneficiary of compensation and unemployment benefit services. Rehabilitation and Training: The Ministry of Labour seeks to provide and develop a number of training programs according to the needs and requirements of the labour market that target job seekers registered with the Employment Department, whether they are graduates of secondary schools or universities, and for various professional, technical and specialised levels. Accordingly, a training plan has been prepared, which is aimed at raising the efficiency of job seekers, developing their abilities and skills, and rehabilitating them to engage in the labour market. The total number of beneficiaries of the training programs reached (10,281) job seekers in various training programs. The ministry also implements several training programs aimed at rehabilitating national cadres to facilitate their integration into private sector establishments. Among these programs are the Training and Rehabilitation of National Workforce Program (Tamheed), which provides a number of training and professional programs, and the Training with Employment Guarantee Program (Daman), which aims to employ nationals in the private sector, and training institutes and centres, in cooperation with employers, provide them with jobs under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour. The On-the-Job Training Program (Apprenticeship - Foras) also aims to support and develop Bahraini youth and provide them with the opportunity to acquire experiences and skills that contribute to accelerating their entry into the labour market. Training Centres and Institutes: The year 2022 witnessed a development in the approaches and procedures of education and training, by using dual training and the integration of distance education techniques with face-to-face education, which helped in adapting technology in training and developing human resources. The training sector continued to grow, as the number of licensed private training centres and institutes supervised by the ministry reached (82) institutions, including (13) vocational and technical centres and (69) administrative and commercial centres and institutes, while the licenses of (10) other institutions were revoked. The number of licensed programs for private training institutions reached (491) training programs in several training fields, of which (262) are local programs and (229) programs issued by international bodies. Meanwhile, around (289) licenses were granted to members of the administrative, training, and technical staff in various fields for various training institutions. Labour Disputes Settlement Bureau: The total number of amicable settlements registered by the Individual Labour Disputes Settlement Bureau at the ministry reached (2,610) amicable settlement requests of various kinds. Of these cases, (1,366) amicable settlements were resolved at the ministry, while the amicable settlements that were kept at the ministry amounted to (612) requests, while labour consultations amounted to about (6,400) disputes. The number of responses to legal inquiries in writing reached (159) ripostes, while the responses to legal inquiries by telephone amounted to (4,400) ripostes. Labour Inspection: Within the framework of the ministry’s keenness to ensure that establishments comply with the labour law in the private sector to protect workers' rights and provide a safe and stable work environment and fair working conditions through its legislative and supervisory tools, the official inspectors conducted (2,587) inspection visits to establishments comprising of (168,386) workers. The inspection campaigns indicated that the number of national workers who were inspected reached (84,845) workers, contrasted with (401,135) foreign workers, while the inspection campaigns resulted in the release of (61) violations and warnings. The virtual inspection program was introduced in 2022, which focuses on comprehensive inspection for all economic sectors in Bahrain, and the number of establishments covered through the program reached (602) establishments. Around six workshops were also carried out to spread the culture of awareness and promote awareness of the labour law and its stipulations. Boosting Occupational Safety: Efforts of the ministry to boost occupational safety have been prompted by carefully monitoring the commitment of establishments to the necessary precautions to protect workers from job hazards and provide a safe environment at work sites as well as ensure suitable labour accommodations. This was done through (820) inspection visits conducted to work sites and workers' accommodation. Summer work ban: In implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013 regarding the prohibition of working under direct sunlight in July and August to protect workers from heat stress and heat stroke, the number of visits made by the ministry’s inspectors had reached (19,841). The percentage of compliance of establishments with the implementation of the decision in 2022 was 99. 87%, while the number of violating establishments decreased to (27) only. These campaigns had resulted in the violation of (52) workers only. To download "Best Achievements of Labour Ministry in 2022" in (PDF) format, click here
Rehabilitating Law Graduates within the "Lawyer under Training" Program
17-02-2023
The Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Labour Fund "Tamkeen" and the Association of Law Firms, organized an introductory meeting for the specialized qualification program "Lawyer under training for law graduates". This is within the framework of its efforts to raise the efficiency of job seekers, develop their capabilities and skills, and qualify them for employment in the private sector. The meeting, in which a number of owners of law firms participated, aims to introduce the program and the courses of action to benefit from it. It also reinforces the importance of supporting qualitative initiatives and programs that contribute to the integration of law graduates in law firms and relevant private sector institutions. During the meeting, they reviewed the mechanisms and conditions that provide support to the target groups of law graduates according to two options. The first option is the current three-year attorneys' pay subsidy program since they joined the business. The second option is a lawyer-in-training program at law firms – supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). This program includes three tracks, a subsidy of BD300 per month paid directly to the trainee for two years, provided that the employer bears the insurance contribution, or the worker, or according to the agreement between them. The second track is that the worker insures himself as a professional and receives the same amount of support as the previous one for two years and the third track is a subsidy of BD150 per month paid directly to the trainee for two years. The two parties (employer or worker) are not required to register with the Social Insurance Organization, and the trainee may be entitled to unemployment insurance benefit of BD200 per month according to the terms and conditions of the unemployment insurance law. The Ministry of Labour is focused on developing training programmes in order to meet the needs and requirements of the labour market. It mainly targets job seekers registered with it and also, directed to graduates of all scientific disciplines and for various professional, technical and specialised levels. In addition, the ministry seeks to raise the efficiency of national human resources, develop their capabilities and skills, and qualify them to engage in private sector establishments.
Minister of Labour: Joint national efforts have contributed to equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination against women
16-02-2023
H.E. Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan affirmed that the gains made by Bahraini women came in light of the support and encouragement they received from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the efforts of the prudent government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the tireless efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. The Bahraini women have also been able to enhance their high status at various development levels in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this context, the minister praised the joint national efforts that contributed to the consecration of fair opportunities and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Humaidan also praised the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain during the discussion of the fourth national report on the progress made in implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and supporting the advancement of women in all fields. On this occasion, Humaidan explained that the Ministry of Labour has taken many initiatives in this direction. The ministry has issued decrees prohibiting wage discrimination between male and female workers in the private sector who hold the same job when their working conditions are the same, as well as permitting women to work in all industries without imposing restrictions on the nature of the field of work. This is in addition, to focusing on granting working women special privileges with regard to the protection of maternity rights and employing women in occupations with night shifts in all jobs in which, all workers may work. This package of initiatives comes in implementation of the Labour Law in the Private Sector promulgated by Law No. (36) of 2012. Humaidan added that the ministry has also launched initiatives aimed at integrating Bahraini women into the labor market. The ministry has been able to make important strides in this path by raising the levels of women's employment, thanks to the provision of encouraging incentives and the creation of qualitative opportunities for females to work in institutions and companies. In this regard, His Excellency noted the initiative to employ women in part-time work, which was launched years ago. HE the Minister of Labour stressed that the Ministry is continuing its endeavors and active participation with various relevant authorities, foremost of which is the Supreme Council for Women. The ministry’s initiatives also aim to achieve more achievements in the field of the advancement of Bahraini women and encourage them to contribute effectively to increase productivity and development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Minister of Labour praises the efforts of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company in attracting national labour
11-02-2023
H.E. Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan stressed the need to invest in the national element, in addition to the importance of employers making use of the benefits and incentives provided by the government to the private sector, including subsidising the wages of citizens and providing them with free training. His Excellency also pointed out that the united approach of the relevant authorities in employing Bahraini youth is a shared social responsibility, as it contributes to high employment rates and enhancing social security. This came during the visit of the Minister of Labour to Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company (BSC), where he met with Mr. Abdulrahman Fakhro, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Abdulla Bukhowa, CEO and a number of officials of the company. This gesture also comes within the framework of a series of visits made by His Excellency to companies and institutions supporting the ministry’s initiatives and programs in the field of employing national cadres, notably in relation to the National Employment Program within the economic recovery plan, which prioritises creating promising job opportunities and making citizens the first choice in the labour market. The plan aims to employ 20,000 Bahrainis and train 10,000 Bahrainis annually until 2024. During the visit, Humaidan was briefed on the efforts of BSC in implementing its plans to recruit and attract national workers in its various departments and divisions. His Excellency was also briefed on the company's role in enhancing an attractive and productive work environment by providing the needs of its employees and empowering them professionally to ensure job stability, as well as the company's interest in employing Bahraini women. This visit demonstrated the company's keenness to attract skilled Bahraini talent and make them the first choice for recruitment. All this is evident through the high percentage of national labour in the company, which supports all its stimulating and attractive work base. H. E. the Minister also met with a number of Bahrainis working for the company, and listened to their experiences, professional successes and career ladder until they reached executive positions in the company. In this context, Humaidan stressed the need to highlight these role models, which have proven through their dedication the productive ability of Bahraini youth to work in various administrative and supervisory positions in private sector establishments. For his part, Mr. Abdulla Bukhowa, CEO of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company, stressed that the company has a great desire to attract Bahraini talent to work for it and to provide them with a suitable work environment and is keen to ensure their job stability. Bukhowa also pointed out that the percentage of Bahraini employees in the company is 94. 5% of the total workforce. Bukhowa pointed to the company's strategy in training its cadres and continuing their professional development, including supporting them to complete university studies and providing them with specialized qualitative training. In this context, he expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Labour to provide qualified national competencies. The CEO looks forward to further joint cooperation by supporting employment and training initiatives and programs implemented by the Ministry of Labour.
Minister of Labour discusses work environment at production sites with the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions
09-02-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, discussed with the Secretary-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, Mr. Abdulqader Abdulkarim Al Shehabi, in the presence of Mr. Hassan Abdulla Al-Halwachi the Deputy Secretary-General, the main initiatives and efforts contributed by the ministry towards the advancement of production in the private sector, as well as the actions taken to support the stability and growth of the labour market. At the meeting on Thursday, Humaidan placed emphasis on the ongoing endeavors made by the ministry to step up cooperation between the three production parties. The two sides also reviewed and discussed the latest developments related to the initiatives adopted by the Ministry of Labour towards recruiting Bahrainis in companies and institutions. In general, they looked into all aspects related to enhancing the work environment in private establishments, as well as developing union work mechanisms, ensuring workers' rights in various productive sectors.
Minister of Labour receives a number of MPs
08-02-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, stressed the importance of cooperation and integration between the executive and legislative authorities to achieve common national goals based on the sustainability of growth in various tracks, in a way that enhances national gains that support initiatives to employ citizens in various economic and commercial sectors. This came during Humaidan's meeting, on Wednesday in his office at the ministry, with the MPs: Dr. Hisham Ahmed Al Asheri, Mr. Mahmoud Mirza Fardan, Mrs. Jalila Alawi Hassan and Mr. Mohsen Ali Al Asboul. During the meeting, HE the Minister of Labour reviewed the efforts made by the ministry with a number of partners in the recruitment and training processes. His Excellency also emphasised on the ministry’s continued support for training and rehabilitation programs to make Bahrainis the first choice for employment in the labour market. Humaidan pointed out that the recruitment of Bahraini cadres is a shared responsibility that requires concerted efforts to make government initiatives a success in that sense. جاء ذلك خلال لقاء حميدان، اليوم الأربعاء في مكتبه بالوزارة، بأصحاب السعادة النواب: الدكتور هشام أحمد العشيري، والسيد محمود ميرزا فردان، والسيدة جليلة علوي حسن، والسيد محسن علي العسبول. واستعرض سعادة وزير العمل خلال الاجتماع الجهود التي تقوم بها الوزارة مع عدد من الشركاء في التوظيف والتدريب. مؤكداً الاستمرار في دعم برامج التدريب والتأهيل ليكون البحريني الخيار الأول عند التوظيف في سوق العمل، لافتاً إلى ان توظيف الموارد البشرية البحرينية مسؤولية مشتركة تتطلب تضافر جميع الجهود لإنجاح المبادرات الحكومية على هذا الصعيد.
Minister of Labour briefed IMF delegation on the Kingdom's initiatives to promote sustainability, labour market growth and support the business environment
07-02-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to enhance the sustainability of the growth of the labour market and develop its policies to further attract investments and generate more quality opportunities. The minister also praised Bahrain's attractive work environment, and the provision of various training programs to rehabilitate national human resources and facilitate their integration into various commercial and economic establishments in the private sector because of its pivotal role alongside the public sector in supporting the goals of the broader development. This came during the meeting of HE the Minister of Labour with the IMF delegation visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by Ms. Asmaa A. El Ganainy, in the presence of HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, HE CEO of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer and a number of officials in the ministry. The visit of the IMF delegation comes within the framework of the existing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the International Monetary Fund and other specialized international organizations. This aim is to exchange and evaluate experiences and work to develop them to serve the development goals and national priorities in the Kingdom. During the meeting, HE the Minister reviewed the Kingdom's experience in launching qualitative initiatives for employment programs and providing social protection. Humaidan pointed out the results achieved in this regard through an increase in employment rates and a decrease in the rates of job seekers at the end of 2022, as well as programs to support women and promote the principles of competition and equality in the labour market. His Excellency also briefed the delegation on the procedures for doing business in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the advanced legislation in the movement and protection of expatriate workers in accordance with international labour standards, and its efforts to combat all forms of discrimination and address any practices in the field of human trafficking. In this context, HE the Minister of Labour also touched on the new projects launched by the Kingdom of Bahrain to support the business environment, foremost of which is the Wage Protection System for expatriate workers. He also talked about the induction of specialised training packages for university graduates to provide them with professional skills to rehabilitate them for the labour market, in order to achieve greater alignment between education versus training outputs and the needs of the market. For her part, Ms. Asmaa El Ganainy, Head of the IMF delegation, praised the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in launching initiatives and incentives to sustain the growth of the labour market and provide more qualitative opportunities in various fields. She also expressed her thanks for the cooperation provided by the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to the World Bank delegation by reviewing the Kingdom's experience in this regard.
Minister of Labour receives MP Maryam Al Sayegh
07-02-2023
HE Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met with MP Maryam Hassan Al Sayegh, in his office at the ministry. During the meeting, the Minister of Labour briefed MP Al Sayegh on the latest developments in the implementation of the Ministry's initiatives and projects in the field of enhancing the rehabilitation and integration of citizens looking for work in private sector establishments, maintaining their stability and developing their job skills, and continuous efforts to improve and develop the productive work environment. Humaidan stressed the important role played by members of the legislative authority, appreciating their efforts in developing national legislation related to the ministry's areas of work, and the joint keenness to meet the needs of citizens and secure suitable jobs for them according to the qualifications and skills available to them.
24 Bahrainis signed employment contracts with Ansar Gallery
04-02-2023
Contracts were signed at the Ministry of Labour for (24) Bahrainis of both sexes to work at Ansar Gallery Company, in a number of administrative and technical jobs, in the presence of Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour. On this occasion, Humaidan stressed that the Ministry of Labour continues to use all economic and commercial sectors to integrate Bahraini citizens into the labour market. His Excellency added that the ministry provides them with the necessary vocational training to enable them to move up the career ladder in various productive sectors, including the retail sector, which provides many technical and administrative jobs. Humaidan called on the new recruits to gain experience and perfect their professional skills for career advancement, which affords them the opportunity to be among the successful stories of the national workforce. Mr. Mohammed Musaad Habib, Deputy General Manager of Ansar Gallery, expressed his thanks and appreciation for the cooperation provided by the Ministry of Labour to the company by providing qualified Bahraini cadres to fill administrative and technical positions. He stressed that all those who signed employment contracts were among the lists of job seekers at the ministry, pointing out that the company has the readiness to provide opportunities for advancement in the career ladder for Bahraini citizens. In this context, the Deputy Director General praised the plans of the Ministry of Labour in training and qualifying job seekers, which contribute to providing the labour market with national competencies.
Humaidan meets with Chairman & Executive Members of Bahrain Management Society
31-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met with the executive board of the Bahrain Management Society, headed by Dr. Lulwa Mutlaq AlMutlaq, in his office at the ministry, on the occasion of the election of the new Board of Directors. At the beginning of the meeting, Humaidan congratulated the chairman and members of the board of directors for the confidence they gained from the General Assembly in their election for a new term, stressing the importance of the society’s role in promoting administrative developments among Bahraini youth and advancing management tasks by employing modern devices in developing business systems. His Excellency also pointed out that the presence of distinguished managers in various production sites contributes to the development of the facility and elevates the administrative cadres as they are able to correct and develop management guidelines and improve productivity. Humaidan was briefed on the activities and events of the association and the efforts exerted to raise the levels of Bahraini administrators in various productive sectors. In this context, Dr. Lulwa pointed out that the Society is working on implementing events, seminars, and workshops to highlight the success stories of Bahraini employees in various sectors and the stages of their progression to administrative positions. In addition, Al-Mutlaq referred to the society's endeavors to coordinate with universities to work on joining students in order to benefit from existing experiences, spread the culture of leadership and provide programs that contribute to increasing productivity.
Challenges facing Bahraini Women in holding Leading Positions in the Public Sector
30-01-2023
H.E. the Minister of Labour, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received in his office at the ministry, Mrs. Najwa Buhassan, the Head of the Insurance Claims Registration and Evaluation Section at the Compensation and Unemployment Support Department During the meeting, Mrs. Najwa presented to the Minister of Labour a copy of her master's thesis on "The Challenges facing Bahraini Women in holding Leading Positions in the Public Sector". In her thesis, the researcher addressed the factors that contributed to the success of a number of Bahraini women figures in the public sector, as well as reviewing the most prominent difficulties and challenges facing women in senior positions.
Minister of Labour meets MP Hanan Al Fardan
30-01-2023
H.E. Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met in his office at the ministry MP Hanan Mohammed Al Fardan of the House of Representatives. The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the rehabilitation programs for job seekers and their integration into various job specialties in the private sector. In this context, Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry of Labour continues to launch initiatives aimed at accelerating the pace of integration of national cadres in various attractive sectors. They also discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation with the legislative authority on issues related to everything that serves the interests of citizens. For her part, MP Hanan expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by the ministry in order to improve the labour services directed to job seekers within the framework of implementing the government's policy that seeks to secure a decent living for citizens.
Ministry of Labour organizes a workshop on "Occupational Safety Indicators in 2022"
28-01-2023
The Ministry of Labour organized a specialized workshop entitled "Occupational Safety Indicators in 2022", as part of its efforts to enhance the protection and safety of workers at various production sites. A number of occupational safety and health officials from various private sector establishments also participated in this workshop. It dealt with occupational safety requirements and standards and ways to apply them in the workplace. The workshop reviewed the most important features of occupational safety and health in 2022, and the proactive and preventive efforts made by the Ministry by intensifying inspection visits and following up on complaints and observations on work sites. In addition, it showed the most important lessons learned from occupational accidents that occurred, their causes and how to take corrective actions to ensure that they do not recur. The workshop also focused on identifying the important role of occupational safety and health officials in private sector establishments in reducing occupational accidents and injuries. The workshop touched on the correlation between occupational safety indicators and other indicators such as the urban development witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the subsequent increase in construction work sites. In addition, other labour market indicators related to the level of qualification and training of workers to carry out some specialized work, the role of labour law in the private sector and the decisions regulating the reduction of occupational injuries and accidents were discussed. At the end of the workshop, a set of recommendations were reviewed, most notably working on licensing some practitioners of technical activities in the field of construction, by requiring the measurement of competence in specialization for contractors and workers of establishments. These recommendations also included the importance of intensifying visits to reduce unsafe practices and conditions in the workplace.
Humaidan receives a copy of the book "Bahraini Proverbs with Cartoon Scribblings"
27-01-2023
H. E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met with author Hajjar Nasser Al Fadala, in his office at the ministry, where she presented him with a copy of her new book "Bahraini Proverbs with Cartoon Scribblings", which is considered one of the folkloric works of art on Bahraini proverbs. Humaidan praised the content of the book, and stressed that the Bahraini heritage is rich in traditional proverbs, which expresses a cultural experience that retrenched them into wisdom and lessons-learned. The minister also noted the efforts the author has made to transform these proverbs into artistic animated templates to benefit children and young people in preserving the oral heritage
AFS Employment Plans for Bahrainis .. Humaidan : The growth of the financial sector in Bahrain provides quality job opportunities
25-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, affirmed the government's support for the financial services sector to attract more investment opportunities to strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a regional hub for this sector. His Excellency pointed out that the Ministry of Labour gives priority to employing nationals in specialised sectors, while the financial sector is at the forefront of it by updating the professional training system that keeps pace with technological developments. The minister added that the growth of non-banking financial companies in the Kingdom constitutes an important tributary in supporting the national economy and providing quality investment opportunities that generate jobs. This came in a statement by H.E. the Minister of Labour during his visit to the Arab Financial Services Company (AFS), where he met with Mr. Samer Suleiman, CEO of the company and a number of officials of the company. His Excellency was briefed on the company's recruitment plans, as 64 Bahrainis were employed during the years 2021-2022 out of a total number of 148 Bahrainis in the company, which showed that the percentage of Bahrainisation in the company exceeded 66%. The minister was also introduced to the company's plan to train job seekers and university students, a strategic move it carries out periodically at the facility. Humaidan met with a number of Bahraini employees, including many who were promoted to senior management positions, through which they presented their success stories in the company that qualified them for career advancement. His Excellency praised these stories, which are a model to be followed, calling on employees to continue their efforts in self-development and work hard and discipline to improve their career productivity. The minister also noted the level of job stability of national workers in light of the encouraging work environment, expressing his pride in the Bahraini cadres working in the financial sector. In this context, Humaidan expressed his thanks and appreciation to AFS for adopting the national element and considering it one of the priorities of its future employment plans. He also pointed out that the interest that the companies and institutions operating in the private sector give to employ nationals comes in light of the employers' conviction that national workforce is worthy and able to manage the movement of production in various productive sectors, in sync with the support provided by the government to private enterprises that prioritise employment of Bahrainis, and laws and facilities that stimulate production. Moreover, he explained that the ministry aims to prepare job seekers who are equipped with the necessary professional training skills to be the first choice for recruitment in various sectors, especially the financial sector. For his part, the CEO of AFS expressed his thanks to the Minister of Labour for this visit, stressing that it will be an important motivation for the company to continue its efforts in employing citizens. He also pointed out that the company's success in attracting national human resources comes with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour in providing trained cadres in this sector, in addition to the availability of the appropriate environment, along with professional vocational training, and the government's support for national labour, which contributed to empowering Bahrainis in various administrative and technical jobs in the company. It is worth mentioning that the Arab Financial Services Company is one of the leading companies in providing payment expertise to banks and commercial groups. The company also offers advanced payment solutions and is one of the region's digital payment solutions providers and a fintech enabler.
Humaidan briefs MP Al-Rumaihi on the ministry’s initiatives in the field of labour service
23-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met in his office at the Ministry with MP Abdulla Khalifa Al Rumaihi, Member of the House of Representatives. During the meeting, Humaidan briefed MP Al-Rumaihi on the latest developments in the implementation of the ministry's initiatives and projects in the field of enhancing the rehabilitation and integration of citizens looking for work in private sector establishments, and maintaining their stability and progress. The minister also focused on the importance of continuing to create a healthy work environment, which is based on the foundations of dialogue and fruitful cooperation between the production parties. In the same context, they discussed the effective role played by the members of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives in developing national legislation related to the ministry’s work area, and keenness to achieve the desired sustainable development goals for all categories and citizens.
Labour Minister meets with Chairman of Northern Area Municipality Council
21-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met in his office at the ministry, Dr. Sayed Shubar Ibrahim Al-Wadaei, Chairman of the Municipal Council of the Northern Area Municipality, accompanied by Deputy Chairperson Ms. Zeina Jassim. During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed, including the Ministry's efforts to enhance occupational health and safety standards by providing the best work environment in various productive sectors. In this context, Humaidan stressed the keenness of the Ministry of Labour to consolidate the principles of environmental safety in the workplace, and to benefit from recycling policies, especially in the industrial sector, to promote a culture of environmental safety and face challenges in this regard, in order to sustain a safe and stimulating work environment.
Minister of Labour meets First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
19-01-2023
H.E. Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met in his office at the ministry with First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Abdulnabi Salman Nasser. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities to meet the aspirations of citizens, especially in the fields of work and qualifying national human resources to accelerate their integration into various promising productive sectors. Humaidan reviewed the initiatives and activities undertaken by the Ministry of Labour in the field of developing and improving employment mechanisms that take place through the e-career fair, developing training and qualification programs, in addition to the facilities provided by the government to the private sector in order to employ qualified national workers. The minister also stressed the importance of cooperation with the legislative authority in developing national labour laws, which contributes to the stability and sustainability of the labor market in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Humaidan briefs MP Al-Asboul on national employment initiatives
18-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met in his office at the ministry Mr. Mohsen Ali Al-Asboul, Member of the House of Representatives. During the meeting, Humaidan updated MP Al-Asboul on the latest programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Labour, which aim to accelerate the integration of citizens looking for work and make them the first choice for recruitment. The minister also stressed the importance of cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities in supporting employment programs and qualifying national cadres for the labour market. For his part, Al-Asboul praised the initiatives of the Ministry of Labour in employing citizens and providing an attractive work environment, noting the incentives provided by the ministry to the establishments that attract national workers.
Upon activation of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries Minister of Labour discusses with the UAE side on raising levels of cooperation in the fields of labour and human resources
16-01-2023
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) headed a Bahraini delegation that included Ms. Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer, CEO of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), and a number of ministry’s officials, visited the United Arab Emirates, in light of the activation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two brotherly countries in the field of labour and human resources development. HE the Minister held a meeting with his Emirati counterpart, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Manan Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in the presence of a number of senior Emirati officials. During this meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between the two countries, as the visiting delegation was briefed on the policies applied in the UAE towards improving the labour market and developing human resources, together with the initiatives related to the unemployment insurance system, the wage protection system and ways to enhance supervision in the labour market. The Bahraini delegation was also briefed on the UAE experience in the field of developing occupational standards and adopting them at the national level. On the occasion of his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Humaidan praised the depth of Bahraini-Emirati relations, and the development they are witnessing under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, stressing the importance of exchanging information and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of labour and the development and rehabilitation of human resources for the benefit of citizens in both countries. In this context, His Excellency touched on the initiatives implemented by the Kingdom of Bahrain in terms of accelerating the pace of recruitment, rehabilitating and integrating nationals into the private sector through incentives and measures that enhance the priority of Bahrainis in employment, and mechanisms for implementing unemployment insurance. Humaidan then wished for more cooperation and coordination between the two brotherly countries when they participate in various regional and international events. For his part, Al Awar praised Bahrain's pioneering experience in organising and developing the labour market. His Excellency also noted the pioneering programs implemented by the Kingdom in the fields of employment and supporting human resources through motivational and rehabilitation policies to ensure that the Bahrainis get preference in employment, as well as enhance job stability. Dr. Abdulrahman also praised the efforts of the Bahraini Ministry of Labour in protecting the rights of the workforce and providing social protection for job seekers and workers alike, by strengthening the unemployment insurance system. Following that, the Emirati minister emphasised on the importance of enhancing cooperation between the GCC countries via exchanging experiences in the fields of the labour market, especially in developing the occupational standards currently applied by both brethren countries and working to advance the process of integrating labour markets within the Gulf region.