News
Providing (3748) legal labor consultations from March 1 to April 19.. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development completes (438) requests for amicable settlement of labor disputes through the electr
26-04-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has, since the introduction of preventive and precautionary measures to contain and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), completed a total of 438 electronic transactions in the labour field. These comprise receiving requests submitted to the Individual Labour Dispute Resolution Authority and issuing determinations on requests for individual amicable settlements or collective labour disputes, in addition to providing labour consultations of all kinds and responding to legal enquiries, as well as auditing the data of trade union organisations via the electronic system or by telephone. These actions contribute to stabilising the labour market, resolving disputes and conflicts in a manner that safeguards the rights of both parties to production, and reducing conflicts and complaints pending before the courts and judicial bodies. In this context, the Director of the Labour Relations, Mai Hassan Al Asmi, stated that during the period from 1 March to 19 April the Ministry received 438 complaints for amicable settlement of individual labour disputes, of which 174 were settled amicably between employers and workers; 132 remain under follow‑up to complete settlement; while 146 requests were archived due to failure to reach an amicable solution. As for collective labour complaints received via the Ministry’s electronic platforms, these totalled only two. The Directorate further indicated that, through its electronic services, the Ministry provided 157 labour consultations and responded to 3,748 legal enquiries from workers and employers, while auditing the data of 120 trade union organisations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. These eServices have responded swiftly to users’ needs and expectations, particularly by facilitating the use of the Ministry’s electronic platforms to obtain the required services with ease. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has launched its electronic services in the labour and social fields on its website to facilitate public access to the services provided. Application forms have been created to be completed and submitted with the required attachments to dedicated email addresses for each service, as indicated on the Ministry’s official social media accounts: follow @mlsdbahrain on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Private training institutes and centres may contact the Ministry to obtain licences for training programmes and trainers by visiting www.mlsd.gov.bh, sending requests and enquiries to alc@mlsd.gov.bh, or calling 17873839, 17873622, or 17873624, or the hotline at 80008001.
The Minister of Labor and Social Development declares: The payment of wages for the month of April to citizens working in private sector establishments
26-04-2020
Based on the royal directives to launch a financial and economic package to support citizens and the private sector to deal with the effects of the current situation and maintain sustainable growth, and the esteemed government’s commitment to pay the wages of Bahraini citizens working in the private sector and registered with the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) for the months of April, May and June 2020, which comes as part of national efforts to mitigate the effects of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, announced that companies and institutions operating in the private sector have already begun disbursing wages to their Bahraini employees, and the vast majority of them have received their wages for the month of April with ease and convenience, as the Ministry of Labour is immediately addressing any delays or administrative difficulties, should they occur. In a statement on this occasion, Humaidan praised the keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, and the esteemed government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the continuous follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them, to provide the necessary liquidity for the private sector to deal with the effects of the current situation and mitigate the social and economic impacts of the consequences of the global Coronavirus pandemic. He explained that all amounts the government had previously transferred to the accounts of companies and institutions had been deposited smoothly, given that the Kingdom of Bahrain possesses an integrated database from which every citizen registered with the SIO benefits. He pointed out that the payment of wages for Bahrainis during the mentioned months comes in implementation of the text of Law No. (8) of 2020 Adding a New Clause No. (3) to Paragraph (c) of Article (8) of Legislative Decree No. (78) of 2006 on Unemployment Insurance, which stipulates “payment of wages for insured Bahraini workers under the provisions of the Social Insurance Law promulgated by Legislative Decree No. (24) of 1976 for a period of three months starting from April 2020, up to a maximum amount of their insured salary, taking into consideration Clause (e) of this Article.” On this occasion, Humaidan expressed his appreciation and gratitude to private‑sector companies and institutions for their cooperation and commitment to disbursing the salaries of Bahraini employees on time. He emphasised that the majority of citizens have already received their wages, and that a few minor complaints have been identified and are currently being followed up and resolved. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has announced the opening of communication channels for concerned citizens to report and register complaints if their establishments have not disbursed their April wages. They can file a complaint during the period in which the government is responsible for paying the salaries for the aforementioned three months by calling the following telephone numbers: 17873919 – 17873918 – 17873913 during official working hours, or by sending the report via email to: insp@mlsd.gov.bh.
MLSD Minister confirms: The initiative of the electronic platform for training NGOs aims to raise their efficiency in financial management
25-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed that the initiative recently reviewed by the Council of Ministers, regarding an electronic platform for remote training of NGOs to raise their efficiency in financial management, aims to qualify workers in the private sector to obtain a professional certificate specialised in financial management as one of the axes of work under the eighth recommendation of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) concerned with combating the financing of terrorism in the non‑profit sector and protecting it from exploitation. He pointed out that the Ministry launched this initiative to help volunteers and workers in NGOs raise their efficiency in the field of financial management so that they are able to achieve their development goals in a comprehensive manner. Humaidan said that this initiative is the first of its kind to employ electronic technology in training NGOs. It targets at least 400 volunteers from civil society organisations in a professional training programme, prepared by specialised entities in financial management and accredited by a specialised Bahraini scientific authority. Through this programme, a series of successive training programmes will be made available over several months via the electronic platform, and trainees will be able to review the training material according to their available time, with the possibility of taking a test at the end of each course. They will then receive the evaluation results electronically so that they can move on to the next training course. In this context, the Minister of Labour and Social Development explained that the initiative targets members of the boards of directors of NGOs, members of general assemblies, university students interested in volunteer work, volunteers affiliated with the Ministry's Volunteer Development Centre, and others, as well as bank employees and those specialising in dealing with civil society organisations. Humaidan also emphasised that this initiative reflects a practical translation of a partnership and cooperation programme with various civil and private entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He explained that the programme relied on various sources of financial, human and material support from governmental and civil entities for its funding, making them an important part of the electronic platform programme. He pointed out that the most important partners in the electronic initiative are: the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), the strategic partner in building the electronic platform and activating the electronic channel for remote training of NGOs (LMS), in addition to the Abdul Rahim Al Kooheji Charitable Foundation, the main supporter of the platform, which provided the expertise of “Talal Abu‑Ghazaleh” to develop, review and audit the scientific material. The Foundation also covered other costs for managing the project programmes. It is worth noting that the Non‑Government Organisations (NGOs) Support Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development oversees the implementation of the platform programme. To implement this programme, it has designed a systematic work structure and clearly defined responsibilities to ensure its professional and distinctive operation. It has also established a process for registration, accreditation, follow‑up and correction. Regarding the partners in the electronic initiative, Humaidan added that the Applied Science University contributed to reviewing the academic materials and cooperating in implementing the training modules, in addition to approving the training modules from university professors and amending the final exams for the training modules. The university also contributed to the linguistic correction of the legal modules, in addition to video‑recording the previously prepared accounting materials. He added that the partner NGOs cooperating in the programme also contributed. The initiative relied on the principle of “networking between NGOs,” which is a constant principle that the Ministry works to employ in its various pioneering programmes. This was done in cooperation with the Bahrain Internal Auditors Association (BIAA), which contributed to preparing the accounting material, the Accountants and Auditors Association, which contributed to preparing the accounting material, as well as the Good Word Society, and volunteer guides throughout the year to follow up with the trainees. The training programme comprises 12 units, delivered at one unit per month. Trainees must log in to the electronic platform to participate and acquire the necessary skills. The curriculum includes approved methods of delivery and assessment, as well as success criteria. In total, the programme comprises 100 approved hours. The training programme includes an introduction to the procedures for the elections of the general assembly of NGOs, an introduction to Decree‑Law No. (21) of 2013 regarding the regulation of collecting money for public purposes, how to obtain licences to collect funds, transfer or receive funds to or from abroad, how to prepare the accounting records that must be available in the organisation, the mechanism of receipt and disbursement in the organisation, the documentary cycle for such organisations and accounting principles, and how to prepare bank settlements, final accounts, and the estimated budget. Working committees have been formed for these tasks, including the Scientific Committee to follow up on the uploading of the scientific material, exams, and the self‑ and final evaluation of the trainees on the specified dates, the Correction and Examination Committee, and the Results and Certificates Accreditation Committee. A guide for trainees has also been prepared, including the platform’s work system, the objectives and duration of the training programme, the training materials, the time period, and the timing of the monthly exams. This guide has been displayed on the platform’s website and the Ministry’s official website. A training agreement has also been prepared for trainees registered by civil society organisations, outlining the trainee’s rights and obligations, as well as the obligations of the organisation nominating him for the programme. In this context, the Minister of Labour and Social Development emphasised that the initiative of the electronic platform for training NGOs falls within the framework of emphasising the importance of developing and enhancing the competencies of those working in civil society organisations, in order to provide them with the necessary skills for their work, with the aim of enhancing their efficiency and ensuring their continued engagement within a framework of permanent self‑governance. This supports the public‑benefit nature of these organisations, which in turn reflects goodness and development on the nation and its citizens.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development organizes online workshop to educate workers about preventive measures to combat (Covid-19)
24-04-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development organised a virtual workshop via live videoconference, with the participation of employers and workers, on worker safety and protection. The workshop discussed and reviewed the precautionary and preventive efforts and measures provided by the Ministry to companies and institutions in the private sector, to raise awareness among workers and employers of the prevention of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic. It also reviewed the latest measures and developments adopted by the Ministry in this regard. This workshop forms part of a series of virtual meetings held remotely, aimed at raising awareness among employers and workers about the importance of strengthening preventive and precautionary measures to ensure everyone’s safety. On this occasion, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki, stated that organising this workshop falls within the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s efforts to enhance the concept and culture of preventive awareness of workers’ safety and health in the workplace, and stems from the Ministry’s supervisory, legislative and awareness‑raising role amid the exceptional circumstances that the Kingdom and the world are experiencing to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19). In this context, he stressed the importance of concerted efforts between the three parties of production to achieve the highest levels of safety and protection in workplaces and workers’ accommodation. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development launched an inspection campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers across various worksites. The Ministry followed up on the establishments’ sterilisation of 593 workers’ accommodation, with a special area allocated for precautionary quarantine in these accommodations. The Ministry also communicated with 537 worksites in many companies and institutions to ensure their continuous sterilisation, in addition to visiting a wide segment of establishments and worksites to inform them of the methods of sterilising worksites and workers’ accommodation, and of the preventive and precautionary measures to be taken. Many employers and workers demonstrated remarkable cooperation to raise the level of safety, protection and health arrangements within worksites and workers’ accommodation.
MLSD Minister:: Opening communication channels to receive citizens' reports that they have not received the month of April's salary
23-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, announced that the Ministry has opened communication channels with citizens working in private‑sector establishments and registered with the Social Insurance Organization (SIO), to report and register complaints in the event that their establishments have not disbursed their April salaries, as scheduled after the esteemed government pledged to pay citizens’ wages for the months of April, May and June 2020. He stressed that legal action will be taken against companies and institutions that fail to pay salaries to citizens. Concerned citizens can file a complaint about not receiving their salaries during the three‑month period in which the government is responsible for paying wages, by calling the following numbers: 17873919 – 17873918 – 17873913 during official working hours, or by sending the report via email to: insp@mlsd.gov.bh. In this context, Minister Humaidan urged employers whose citizens’ salaries have been transferred to commit to disbursing them on time each month. He pointed out that the goal of government support for the private sector is to contribute to limiting the repercussions of the current situation and mitigating the social and economic impacts of the global Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic on the economic and commercial sectors. This includes ensuring that the basic rights of the national workforce are not compromised, ensuring their job stability, and enhancing the role of the private sector in supporting the national economy. His Excellency, the Minister of Labour and Social Development, pointed out that the esteemed government transferred the salaries of citizens working in the private sector to the accounts of employers on 16 April, in accordance with the records with the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO). He noted that these salaries will be paid from savings from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The Minister of Labor and Social Development stresses the importance of the commitment to collecting and distributing zakat al-Fitr through electronic platforms and applications
23-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, stressed that, in implementation of the decisions of the Coordination Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect him, and the recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), and in order to preserve the health and safety of all during the holy month of Ramadan, all civil society organisations and charitable societies must commit to not holding Iftar tables in public places, ensuring that Iftar tables are not distributed on the streets, and replacing Zakat Al Fitr collection and distribution booths with electronic platforms and applications only, so that these donations are received and distributed to those entitled to them through the same electronic methods. Humaidan stated that the esteemed government has great confidence in the awareness and commitment of all civil society organisations, and emphasised his aspiration for everyone's cooperation to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasised that these precautionary measures were implemented based on the recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID‑19). In this context, Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has taken numerous measures to ensure that NGOs obtain licences to collect funds electronically since 2017. This is part of ongoing efforts to facilitate licensing procedures and regulate the collection of funds and donations for civil society organisations. This includes activating the electronic payment service for many civil society organisations, specifically charitable ones, to facilitate the process of electronic cash donations without harming any community groups benefiting from donations during the holy month. It is worth noting that His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, had approved electronic payments as a means of collecting and distributing donations to those entitled to them since 2017, in coordination with the Central Bank of Bahrain and relevant financial and banking companies. This decision came in compliance with the eighth recommendation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which stipulates that measures must be taken to protect organisations from exploitation in the field of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Sterilization of more than 1,100 work sites and workers housing.. Humaidan directs establishments to intensify their preventive efforts at work sites and workers' housing Community Verified icon
21-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed that, in implementation of the directives of the Coordination Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect him, and in light of the application of preventive and precautionary measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), the Ministry has intensified efforts to monitor private‑sector establishments and to determine the extent of their compliance with all official instructions during this exceptional period, in order to enhance occupational safety and health at workplaces. In this context, Humaidan urged business owners to intensify their preventive efforts and precautionary measures to ensure the protection of workers by reducing the number of workers at workplaces and in vehicles used to transport workers, and by adhering to social distancing standards in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s instructions. He stressed that there will be no leniency with establishments that do not adhere to ensuring the safety and health of workers. He pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has formed a specialised team comprising occupational safety supervisors and engineers, with the aim of intensifying communication with various establishments to ensure implementation of the legal provision requiring the establishment of occupational safety and health committees at workplaces. Establishments have been contacted regarding measures taken to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), including wearing face masks and applying health standards in facilities, rest areas and other areas. His Excellency the Minister, Humaidan, stated that the Ministry followed up on the sterilisation of 593 workers’ accommodation, with a special area allocated for precautionary quarantine in these accommodations. The Ministry also communicated with 537 worksites in many companies and institutions to ensure their continuous sterilisation. In this context, he praised establishments committed to these procedures and emphasised the need to raise awareness among all workers about preventing infectious and contagious diseases. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to implementing proactive measures that combat infection in both workspaces and workers' accommodations. Humaidan also urged private‑sector establishments to activate work‑from‑home as much as possible, especially for jobs that can be managed from home, in order to reduce the number of workers at worksites while ensuring that the production process is not affected within the establishment. He stressed that the presence of preventive measures such as daily temperature checks and the placement of sterilisation devices in visible areas at worksites, primarily upon entering and exiting the site, in addition to administrative measures such as preventing workers from gathering in limited areas and adhering to the required distance established by the relevant health authorities between workers, as well as preventing crowding at the worksite or workers’ accommodation, contribute effectively to limiting the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has prepared awareness campaigns in cooperation with the National Campaign to Combat the Spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) by distributing a set of guidance publications in multiple languages to foreign workers. More than 300,000 written and printed awareness publications have been produced, targeting 350,000 foreign workers in various languages. The Ministry has intensified communication with employers during the recent period with the aim of reducing the number of workers in the housing provided by the employer, in implementation of the preventive guidelines for social distancing in workers’ accommodation, in accordance with Decision No. (40) of 2014 regarding Requirements and Specifications of Workers' Accommodation, especially with regard to providing four square metres of free space for each worker in the rooms in which the workers reside.
MLSD Minister meets the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations on the occasion of the end of his tenure in Bahrain
19-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received today, Sunday, at his office at the Ministry, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Amin Al Sharkawi, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom. During the meeting, Humaidan praised the efforts made by Mr. Amin Al Sharkawi during his tenure in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which contributed to developing the relations of cooperation and friendship between the Kingdom and the United Nations and its affiliated bodies and organisations, and elevating them to broader horizons, leading to a qualitative and distinguished partnership. He also noted Al Sharkawi’s efforts to enhance cooperation between the United Nations and various governmental and private entities and civil society in Bahrain, which contributed to consolidating the foundations of a comprehensive and growing partnership. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development emphasised the effective partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations and its affiliated organisations in terms of visions and goals to ensure a safe and stable life for all and secure a more prosperous future through the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the support of creative initiatives in this regard, particularly those related to the areas of work, employment, human resources training, development, and social care. For his part, Al Sharkawi expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership, government, people, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Development team, appreciating the cooperation the Kingdom has shown with the United Nations and its various specialised agencies and bodies in order to achieve the desired goals. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, has set an international model to be emulated in development and tolerance, and that he is confident that this advanced level of positive relations will be harnessed and strengthened thanks to the generous directives of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He praised Bahrain’s approach to combating and preventing the spread of the Coronavirus, which has swept the world, by taking many initiatives and proactive measures to protect individuals, both citizens and residents alike, thus making the Kingdom’s experience an example to be emulated in such exceptional and emergency circumstances.
On the occasion of the 45th Arab Deaf Week .. MLSD Minister: Translating the capabilities and energies of people with hearing disabilities to participate in the renaissance of Bahrain
18-04-2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain joins the Arab community in the annual celebration of Arab Deaf Week, now in its 45th session, under the slogan “The Right of the Deaf to an Easy Marriage Supported by Social Institutions.” The last week of April each year has been designated to raise awareness of persons with hearing disabilities in society, pursuant to the recommendations of the Second Conference of the Arab Federation of Deaf Organizations, held in Damascus in April 1974, with the aim of raising awareness of the rights and capabilities of the deaf, ways to prevent this disability, and the means of caring for them, rehabilitating them and communicating with them, in addition to highlighting their fundamental rights—educational, psychological, social, economic and cultural—and strengthening efforts to empower persons with hearing disabilities and the hearing‑impaired, together with the concerned civil society organisations, to play an effective and positive role in comprehensive and sustainable social and economic development. On this occasion, His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed that persons with hearing disabilities in the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoy great attention from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, and from the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, together with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. He noted the solidarity and cooperation of all those concerned with providing services—rehabilitation, care and social—by opening new horizons for them and supporting them to carry out projects compatible with their capabilities, and by enabling participation in existing projects so that they can continue their journey in life and contribute to building their country, especially as they possess excellent capabilities and energies that can be utilised in various fields and sectors. The Kingdom of Bahrain has paid great attention to persons with disabilities, reflected in its tireless efforts and constant attention to this group, with the aim of promoting education and awareness of disability issues, which are a shared responsibility borne by all ministries and agencies in the Kingdom, as well as by civil society organisations and institutions. Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in cooperation with its partners in the public, private and civil sectors, has been able to integrate persons with hearing disabilities into mainstream education and to engage positively in society, considering that the integration process is an issue with social dimensions. In this regard, he pointed to cooperation with the Ministry of Education to fully and comprehensively integrate this group into an educational environment equal to their peers, by enrolling them in classes at various levels of study, reinforced by the efforts of parents and acceptance from others—individuals and groups—until this plan became a tangible reality, placing Bahrain among the countries with pioneering and successful experiences in integrating persons with disabilities into society. In implementation of what was stated in Article (30) of the General Principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Bahrain ratified in 2011, stipulating the right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural and educational life, and in recreational and sports activities, the Ministry was able to discern the capabilities and creativity of this group, who were able to challenge the world of silence to enter the world of work and public life, and to prove that their affliction with this disability does not prevent them from highlighting these energies and contributing positively to the development of society. This is what we seek to achieve by providing quality services to persons with hearing disabilities, through the Shaikhan Al Farsi Centre for Comprehensive Speech, which is a centre specialised in the rehabilitation and education of persons with hearing disabilities, and enabling them to complete the basic educational competencies in the early stages and develop them in a way that facilitates their later integration into the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has focused on qualification, training and employment for persons with hearing disabilities in job specialities that suit the nature of their disabilities. The Ministry's “You Are Not Alone” Centre collaborates with employers to facilitate their access to various job opportunities and provides follow-up support after employment. In addition, a group of deaf persons have joined productive family projects. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development also provides a disability allowance to 1,940 persons with hearing disabilities. In 2019, it provided hearing aids to 60 beneficiaries. It also offers free driving training and a range of other services, delivered in collaboration with the private sector, including discounts for holders of disability cards issued by the Ministry to all persons with disabilities.
MLSD Minister discusses with MPs Ishaqi and Abbasi the ministry's initiatives to enhance the labor field and community development
16-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, today, Thursday, in his office at the Ministry building, discussed with His Excellency MP Ali Mohammed Ishaqi and His Excellency MP Mohammed Issa Al Abbasi ways to enhance joint cooperation with the Council of Representatives to serve the fields and projects of labour and social development, and to provide the best services to citizens. The meeting addressed several labour and social issues, which will enhance cooperation and coordination between the executive and legislative authorities, in an effort to continue the development and social progress in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this context, Humaidan praised the Council of Representatives’ role in supporting legislation related to the Ministry's work, welcoming proposals and initiatives that enhance development and labour aspects for individuals and all segments of Bahraini society, especially those associated with the current circumstances. For their part, MPs Ishaqi and Al Abbasi commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development's efforts to provide numerous development services in the areas of labour and social services, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities, given its positive impact on the interests of all segments of society and the provision of a decent living.
MLSD Minister participates in the meeting of the labor ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries via video conference
15-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, participated today, Wednesday, in the extraordinary meeting of the Labour Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), via live videoconference technology. The meeting reviewed precautionary measures and procedures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) and to limit its impact on private‑sector establishments in the GCC countries. The GCC Labour Ministers emphasised the importance of developing a vision for national cadres in the private sector in the GCC countries, and discussing ways to ensure their protection and continuity in the labour market without being affected by the repercussions of this pandemic, which, God willing, will pass. This will be achieved by adopting a package of precautionary measures, and by providing support and assistance from governments and private‑sector establishments to these national cadres, considering them the true wealth and the fundamental pillar upon which the GCC countries rely to achieve sustainable development. The ministers also reviewed the measures taken by the GCC countries within the framework of implementing the necessary precautions in cooperation with other sectors to protect the national and expatriate workforce from the virus. The Gulf ministers praised the tireless efforts and proactive initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain in this regard, and the many practical steps it has taken to confront the repercussions of this virus on the labour market. In this context, His Excellency the Minister, Humaidan, reviewed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s efforts to combat this pandemic through numerous measures and initiatives to support citizens and the private sector. In accordance with the royal directives, a financial package worth 4.3 billion Bahraini dinars was launched to address the repercussions of the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) at the local level, thus preserving the health and safety of citizens and residents, in parallel with the continuation of the state’s programmes and work to achieve sustainable development efforts for the benefit of citizens. This includes paying the wages of national workers in companies and institutions in the private sector for a period of three months starting from this April. He also touched on the precautionary measures and procedures taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development at workplaces and workers’ accommodation, in cooperation with private‑sector institutions, to ensure the health and safety of workers. This is achieved by implementing effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus among workers, including tightening control and regulatory procedures in their accommodation and living areas. He pointed to the Ministry’s proactive initiative to hold meetings with representatives of embassies and diplomatic missions of labour‑exporting countries in the Kingdom of Bahrain and inform them of the required preventive and precautionary measures to preserve the safety and health of all. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, before the Ministers of Labour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, stressed the importance of joint coordination among the Gulf countries to overcome this phase in a way that does not affect development projects in the member states and ensures the stability of the Gulf labour markets. He underscored the need to benefit from the successful experiences of our countries in confronting this pandemic, in addition to coordinating positions among the member states in international labour forums, especially by highlighting the efforts made by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to preserve the health and safety of national and expatriate workers.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Ministry of Youth sign a memorandum of understanding for electronic cooperation
14-04-2020
In implementation of the Cabinet decision during its session held on 23 March 2020, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and within the framework of the support of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, and President of the General Sports Authority, to implement these directives, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding under which the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs will use the electronic system in place at the Directorate of NGOs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. The memorandum was signed by His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, and the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Ayman Bin Tawfiq Al Moayed, on Tuesday, in the presence of a number of officials from both ministries, in the main hall of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development building. The memorandum stipulates coordination between the two parties in order for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to use the electronic system for civil society organisations, in effect at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. The latter also provides the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs with all the necessary information to activate the system in the best possible way for the purpose of carrying out financial and administrative oversight procedures on national clubs and youth empowerment centres through the aforementioned electronic system, to ensure that procedures are implemented optimally in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Associations, Clubs, Cultural and Private Bodies Working in the Field of Youth and Sports and Private Institutions issued by Decree Law No. (21) of 1989 and its amendments. The agreement stipulates that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will receive applications from clubs and youth empowerment centres, managing the electronic system from a technical and security perspective. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs will oversee all applications from national clubs and youth empowerment centres within the electronic system. In a statement on this occasion, Humaidan stressed that the signing of this memorandum comes within the framework of joint efforts between various ministries and government bodies to enhance coordination between them, pointing out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, under this agreement, will receive all applications from national clubs and youth empowerment centres in the electronic system for NGOs and transfer them to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, provided that they are closed within specific periods to ensure that transactions are not delayed, according to the mechanism and timeframes that will be agreed upon between specialists from both parties, and that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs will follow up on the requests of clubs and youth empowerment centres. Humaidan pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will manage the system technically, ensuring the protection of all relevant information, documents, decisions, and any information related to national clubs and youth empowerment centres. He emphasised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development's readiness to provide additional services to relevant government agencies, aiming to enhance cooperation and coordination. This is part of raising the level of cooperation and coordination to achieve the public interest and improve services to the development and youth sectors, utilising the latest electronic systems. For his part, His Excellency the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs praised the positive role played by the Minister of Labour and Social Development and his achievement of a great degree of cooperation between the two sides to ensure the continued development of the youth and sports movement in the Kingdom. He pointed out that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs decided to benefit from the electronic system for civil society organisations and apply it to national clubs and youth empowerment centres, as it will contribute to supporting the Ministry’s orientations towards electronic transformation in all its services, and that the system will expedite the submission of applications and their completion as required, in addition to saving time and effort. His Excellency Mr. Ayman Bin Tawfiq Al Moayed stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs seeks to benefit from the expertise of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in this field, as it has pioneering experience. This experience, which extends over many years, can be drawn upon, especially since the system will enable the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to follow up on requests from clubs and youth empowerment centres, and increase the scope of financial and administrative oversight procedures for national clubs and youth empowerment centres through the electronic system, which will contribute to the development of the administrative and financial system in clubs and youth empowerment centres.
The Minister of Labor and Social Development issues an administrative circular to employers and workers to commit to implementing measures to combat the spread of (Covid-19) at work sites and workers’
13-04-2020
Based on the decisions of the Coordination Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect him, and the decision of His Excellency the Minister of Interior No. (59) of 2020 obligating those visiting public places and industrial and commercial establishments to wear protective face masks, and as a continuation of the precautionary measures against the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) to preserve the safety and health of workers and those present at worksites and to limit the spread of the virus, His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, issued an administrative circular to private‑sector establishments (employers and workers) regarding combating and preventing the spread of this disease at worksites and workers’ housing in private‑sector establishments, to be implemented by employers from 13 April 2020 until further notice. The circular issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to all private‑sector establishments, companies and institutions emphasises that both parties to production must implement directives issued by the Ministry of Health to protect public health. It also emphasises the responsibility of employers to protect all workers and individuals present at workplaces and workers’ accommodation from the risks of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19). The administrative circular obliges private‑sector employers to provide protective face masks and requires all workers to wear them at worksites to limit the spread of infection among workers. It also emphasises the responsibility of employers to prevent individuals from entering the facility or worksite before ensuring they are wearing protective face masks. The administrative circular stressed that employers or their authorised representatives must measure the temperature of all workers upon entering worksites, upon leaving during work, and upon leaving their designated residences, noting that if any rise in temperature is detected for any of the workers, then the employer or his representative must immediately isolate the worker and call 444 to verify the detected condition and refer the worker to obtain the necessary medical care. The circular also directed companies and institutions to reduce the number of workers at worksites, particularly in break rooms, waiting rooms and changing rooms, as well as in vehicles used to transport workers within the facility and to and from worksites. To enhance social distancing measures and limit contact in the workplace, the Minister emphasised the importance of implementing a work‑from‑home policy for male and female employees at workplaces whenever practical, particularly for working mothers in private‑sector establishments. The administrative circular devoted a special section to the precautions and requirements that must be observed in workers’ housing, due to its great importance and direct impact on the health and safety of residents and society in general. The circular urged employers to reduce the number of workers present in one room in workers’ housing, and to increase the space allocated to each worker to the maximum extent possible, so that social distancing is achieved between workers by maintaining a safe distance between them, with no less than two metres between workers. It is worth noting that according to the first clause of Article (3) of Decision No. (40) of 2014 regarding Requirements and Specifications of Workers' Accommodation, the space allocated to each worker must not be less than four square metres of free space in the rooms allocated to workers’ housing. This is a clear indication that occupational safety and health legislation in the Kingdom of Bahrain is consistent with the foundations and principles necessary to combat infection and provide the essential protection for workers in the housing allocated to them. In addition, establishments must prohibit inter‑employer visits between workers’ housing units. Employers that provide accommodation are also directed to reserve separate buildings capable of housing at least ten per cent of their workforce for precautionary quarantine, which is in line with Public Health Department guidelines for establishments employing more than 50 workers. He concluded by stressing that employers—or their authorised representatives—must monitor adherence to these precautionary measures and impose deterrent penalties on violators, thereby protecting the well‑being of all labour‑market participants and society at large. In this context, the Minister emphasised his appreciation for the high national sense of duty enjoyed by employers and partners in the labour market, and the cooperation and coordination they are demonstrating with the Ministry and relevant official bodies within the framework of national efforts to confront this exceptional circumstance. He pointed out that the commitment of establishments to implementing the decisions of the Coordination Committee and the decisions issued by the National Campaign to Combat the Spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) is of great importance and has broad repercussions on the safety and health of workers and all members of society, and reinforces the official efforts taken at the national level to combat this epidemic.
Depositing compensation amounts for lifting meat subsidies, April 15th
13-04-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has completed the transfer of quarterly compensation for the removal of meat subsidies into the bank accounts of eligible citizens for the months of July, August, and September 2020. The Ministry stated that these amounts will be deposited into citizens’ bank accounts on 15 October 2020, as part of the initiative to unify the date of disbursement of government support programmes, noting that the total number of families benefiting from the compensation amount in this payment is 167,077 Bahraini families, with a total amount of 7,086,501 Bahraini dinars. These payments are disbursed under the meat‑subsidy allocation mechanism for Bahraini citizens, as established by the Cabinet decision of May 2015 regarding its implementation.
MLSD Minister discusses with MP the benefit of a number of families from social assistance systems
12-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, discussed in his office at the Ministry with His Excellency MP Mahmoud Makki Al Bahrani the Ministry's most important projects and initiatives that meet citizens' needs for numerous development services provided to various segments and categories of society. In this context, Al Bahrani reviewed the need of the residents of the Western Region to establish a social centre to serve the region's residents, in addition to discussing proposals to ensure that a number of families benefit from social assistance systems in accordance with the requirements and standards. The meeting also addressed ways to enhance the provision of quality services in the field of qualifying and training jobseekers and integrating them into quality jobs in the private sector. In this context, Humaidan affirmed that the Ministry will spare no effort in monitoring and meeting citizens' development needs, appreciating the role of the Council of Representatives in supporting legislation related to the Ministry’s mandate, and commending, in this context, parliamentary proposals that enhance labour and social aspects.
New social development centers in Budaiya, Jid Hafs and the cities of Isa Town, Hamad Town and Aali
11-04-2020
In light of the Cabinet’s follow‑up, during its session held on 30 March 2020, of the progress of projects currently being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to achieve the goals and pillars of the government’s programme in the field of development and social care, and within the framework of following up on the implementation of these projects that meet the needs of society in various cities and villages of Bahrain, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the pace of establishing social facilities is proceeding in accordance with the goals and pillars included in the Government’s Action Programme for 2019–2022, aimed at meeting the development needs in the governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain. In this context, Humaidan affirmed that work is underway to implement five construction projects that provide various services to serve different segments of society, in cooperation with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning. These projects are: a comprehensive social centre in Budaiya, a day club for parents in Jidhafs, a comprehensive disability complex in A'ali, a social care complex in Hamad Town, and a social services complex in Isa Town. These projects, which were launched earlier, aim to meet the needs of citizens in various cities and villages, and to improve the quality and level of services provided by the government to citizens, particularly Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination) and senior citizens, as well as to meet the needs of families in terms of various forms of assistance, care, and social rehabilitation services. In this context, Humaidan explained that the Al Budaiya Comprehensive Social Centre, which has a total cost of approximately 1.4 million Bahraini dinars, aims to provide protection, developmental and social care services to the residents of the Northern Governorate, in the villages of Al Budaiya, Diraz, Bani Jamra, Barbar, Al Qaryah, Saar, Maqaba, Al Markh, Jannusan, Abu Saiba'a, Al Maqsha, Al Shakhura, Karranah, Al Hajar and Al Qadam. It provides various social assistance services, family counselling, and the implementation of judicial rulings to receive the children of divorced men and women, in addition to monitoring all the needs of the Bahraini family through comprehensive field social research. The Al Budaiya Comprehensive Centre will also receive jobseekers through the Employment Office, which handles recruitment and training in private sector establishments. Its mission is to rely on career guidance and counselling, as well as coordination between the Ministry, human resources departments in private institutions and companies, and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), with the aim of providing jobseekers with the skills necessary for various jobs required by the private sector. The Al Budaiya Comprehensive Social Centre, which has a daily capacity of 550 citizens, offers family development programmes as part of the Khatwa for Productive Families Projects, which aims to support and develop home‑based family projects through training, appropriate funding, and specialised services such as marketing and management, as well as providing production units, design, and innovation for product development. This will enable families to be self‑reliant and open the way for them to enter the labour market and increase their personal income. It also implements cultural, awareness, volunteer, and social activities and programmes through community partnerships with civil society institutions and the private sector. This comprehensive centre includes a daytime social club for senior citizens, providing care, health, social, psychological, recreational, and educational services for this group within residential neighbourhoods. This aims to keep them close to their families and social environment, thus deepening communication between them and members of society. Another club is dedicated to children and youth, offering services in the field of childhood development through the implementation of projects and programmes that foster and enhance the creativity of children and youth in the cultural, educational, social, and recreational fields. In view of the desire of the people of the Jidhafs area and the neighbouring villages to have a day club that serves the elderly people of the area, Humaidan affirmed the establishment of the Jidhafs Day Club for parents in the Jidhafs Social Centre, on an area of (650) square metres, with a capacity of more than (100) elderly men and women, as the design idea was characterised by simplicity and modernity, in addition to taking into account the ease of communication and movement between the centre’s facilities, at a total cost of 343 thousand Bahraini dinars, and it is expected that the project will be received during the second quarter of this year after the completion of the construction currently underway. Regarding the services provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain to People of Determination, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development affirmed that the comprehensive disability complex project in A'ali in the Northern Governorate is nearing completion. It is considered one of the largest complexes and specialised centres serving People of Determination in the Middle East. It aims to provide care and rehabilitation for People of Determination in the Kingdom of Bahrain of all ages and genders, enabling them to integrate into society through empowerment and skill development, ensuring a quality of life for them, and achieving the principle of equal opportunities among all segments of society, and effective participation in the comprehensive development process. The esteemed government has allocated a plot of land for the construction of the complex, with an area of approximately 20,106 square metres, with construction taking place on a total area of 17,642 square metres, at a total cost of 8,680,000 (eight million six hundred and eighty thousand dinars), within the Gulf Development Program, with support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The project is expected to be completed soon, during the second quarter of 2020. The Comprehensive Disability Complex consists of 10 separate buildings, each specialising in the treatment, care, education, and rehabilitation of various categories of Persons with Disabilities, such as those with Down syndrome, brain damage, autism spectrum disorders, and hearing‑impaired people who are deaf and mute. The construction and operation of one of the project buildings, the Abdullah bin Ali Kanoo Diagnosis and Disability Evaluation Centre, was completed during the previous period, and the project began operating in June 2014. The other nine buildings include four rehabilitation centres for people with mild, moderate and severe intellectual disabilities, a health and sports centre, a learning and training resource centre, an exhibition of products for Persons with Disabilities, a day club for rehabilitation and recreational activities, and the administrative building. The complex's capacity is estimated at approximately 1,500 people per day, in addition to 160 administrators in the main administration building. The opening date for these centres is expected to be announced very soon. A number of these centres will be operated by civil society organisations and NGOs specialising in the affairs of People of Determination, within the framework of effective community partnerships between the public and private sectors. In a related context, and in affirmation of the provision of care and rehabilitation services to several community groups, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, confirmed the establishment of the Social Care Complex project in Hamad Town to rehabilitate juveniles and shelter them, consistent with international standards. The project buildings specialise in child care and juvenile rehabilitation, and in sheltering those exposed to violence and abuse of both sexes, as well as the vagrants and beggars, with a total construction area of 11,776 square metres. It is being implemented within the Gulf Development Program with support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), at a total cost of 7,182,000 dinars. The project consists of six interconnected buildings, including juvenile care buildings for boys and girls, a services building, Dar Al Aman for sheltering male victims of human trafficking, Dar Al Aman for the care of women exposed to domestic violence and human trafficking, and Dar Al Karama for Social Care. Construction work is expected to be completed in January 2022. Regarding the Social Services Complex in Isa Town, Humaidan stated that it has been decided to rebuild and equip a comprehensive social care complex. The complex includes several centres and homes designed specifically for People of Determination and senior citizens, with a total building area of approximately 15,000 square metres. It is being implemented within the Gulf Development Program with support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, at a total cost of 7,347,994 dinars. The project consists of six buildings, including the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait building for the rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, a building for the care of senior citizens, the Isa Town Social Centre, the Isa Town Kindergarten, the Academic and Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities, and a comprehensive building for sports and social activities. Construction is expected to be completed in November 2021, with operations scheduled for the second half of 2022. He thanked all partners and supporters of these development projects, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), for funding the construction and projects of the Comprehensive Disability Complex, the Social Welfare Complex in Hamad Town, and the Social Services Complex in Isa Town. He also thanked Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (ALBA) for covering most of the Budaiya Comprehensive Social Centre cost, and Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo for its initiative to finance the construction and furnishing of a comprehensive social centre.
MLSD Minister enhances for the continuation of efforts and initiatives to enhance training and develop human resources
11-04-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed his support for national efforts and initiatives of civil society institutions specialising in training, which will benefit the development of individuals and institutions and contribute to improving performance levels and raising the efficiency of the Bahraini workforce and others. He also stressed the importance of overcoming the challenges we face with competence and efficiency in various sectors and functional and professional specialisations, by utilising the best types and methods of professional training, including “coaching”, which now targets all segments of society to help define the paths of individuals’ personal and professional lives and to contribute to organising institutions according to management methodologies and successful leadership styles that will raise efficiency and productivity in various circumstances. He called upon all officials and leaders in private‑sector institutions to invest in national energies by using the coaching method to enhance their roles and adopt creative ideas. This came during a video address by Humaidan, broadcast remotely today, Saturday, at the opening of the fourth annual training and coaching forum, organised by the Bahrain Society for Training & Development (BSTD) on the occasion of Bahrain Coaching Day, under his patronage. The forum continues until tomorrow, Sunday. This year, the conference is being held for the first time via videoconference, with local, Gulf and Arab participation. The conference, held under the theme “Coaching Towards Building Resilient Leadership,” aims to raise awareness of the importance of coaching for leaders in Bahrain in light of the current challenges and circumstances, in addition to instilling coaching skills as part of leadership capabilities, so that they can practise them themselves and with all their employees, enhancing decision‑making processes and balance within organisations. The forum reflects emerging local, regional and international variables and their significant impact on available leadership methods and tools, in line with new developments in the work environment, planning patterns and future strategy development. Humaidan commended the Bahrain Society for Training & Development's commitment to the continuity of the conference and the pursuit of continuous training and learning. He noted the Kingdom of Bahrain's vast capabilities and competencies, through which we can utilise all means to transfer and exchange knowledge in various circumstances. He expressed his hope that the forum would provide an opportunity to discuss and formulate visions and proposals to support the development of national cadres in various sectors, in addition to reviewing the best experiences and development opportunities. In turn, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Society for Training & Development (BSTD), Mr. Ahmed Mahmood Attiya, said that in view of the current situation in the region, the Society decided to organise this forum remotely and without any registration fees for participants. The conference attracted 160 participants from various countries around the world. He expressed his deep thanks to His Excellency, the Minister of Labour and Social Development, for his patronage of the forum and his continuous support for the Society’s events and activities. He pointed out that the Society will continue its voluntary efforts aimed at strengthening and developing the human element and raising the name of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of training and human resources development locally and internationally. This year, the forum will host a group of international speakers and experts in the field of management and leadership development via an electronic platform. It will include four working papers, two each day. Coach Sameera Ali Baba will present the first paper, titled “Coaching to Improve Performance,” in which she will address strategies for applying coaching skills and tools to improve the performance of both leaders and their team members. The second paper, titled “Leadership Balance,” will be presented by Coach Riaz Jeevanjee. It will cover the importance and strategies of coaching, as well as the vital roles within an organisation to ensure maximum effective results and return on capital invested in a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. The third paper, “Coaching; the Key to Higher Emotional Intelligence for Leaders,” will be presented by Gerald Bridgers, a certified coach with the International Coaching Association. He will focus on the positive impact of using coaching as a development tool for enhancing leaders' emotional intelligence. The final paper, “The Role of Trust in Leadership,” will be moderated by Coach Osama Al-Mosa and will address the importance of building trust as a leader during challenging times.
MLSD Minister praises the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister to double the social security assistance and the disability allowance for the month of Ramadan
09-04-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, commended the generous directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him, assigning the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to double the value of social security allocations benefiting 17,000 Bahraini families who receive social security benefits, to double the value of the disability allowance benefiting 12,000 persons with disabilities registered on the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s rolls, and to allocate a budget of 5.5 million Bahraini dinars to implement His Highness’s two generous orders, with the doubled benefits to be disbursed in mid‑April, on the occasion of the approaching holy month of Ramadan. Humaidan affirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has immediately commenced implementing the order of His Highness the Prime Minister, and that the amounts due to citizens entitled to social security assistance and disability allowance will be transferred to their accounts on 15 April. Humaidan stated that these generous directives from His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, which coincide with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, are not new to His Highness, but rather accord with his long‑standing practice, and His Highness’s great and continuous interest in supporting the standard of living of citizens and ensuring a decent living for them, especially for the most needy segments of society. He noted that this comes in light of His Highness’s direct and continuous follow‑up of their living conditions, and his constant efforts to ensure a decent life for citizens and meet their needs on all occasions, help them manage their living affairs by providing their necessities for the holy month, and alleviate the financial burdens they face in a way that guarantees a decent and stable life for all. Humaidan explained that the number of beneficiaries of social security assistance totals 17,000 families from the categories specified by Law No. (18) of 2006 with respect to Social Security, who do not have a source of income, or do not have sufficient income to depend on in managing their daily living affairs, and include the family, widows, divorced women, abandoned women, the elderly, people with disabilities and those unable to work, unmarried girl, and orphans, stressing that an amount of up to 3 million Bahraini dinars will be transferred to their bank accounts. Regarding the disability allowance, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development stated that this assistance, which is disbursed to those entitled to it in the amount of 100 dinars per month, will be doubled to 200 dinars on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. (24) of 2008, 2008 regarding criteria for eligibility for a disability pension, which defined the classification of disabilities to include physical disability, mental disability, visual disability, hearing disability, autism, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities. He indicated in this context that the number of beneficiaries of the disability allowance totals 12,000 citizens with disabilities (People of Determination), and an amount of up to 2.5 million Bahraini dinars will be transferred to their bank accounts, to cover the regular monthly allowance and the additional allowance. On this occasion, the Minister of Labour and Social Development expressed his deep thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy King, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for their great interest and constant support for citizens, especially the most needy groups, in order to secure a decent living for them.
MLSD Minister: Launching an electronic registration service for employers to pay the government the salaries of citizens in the private sector
08-04-2020
In accordance with the Royal directives to launch a financial and economic package to support citizens and the private sector, and the government’s commitment to pay the salaries of Bahraini citizens working in the private sector and registered with the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) for the months of April, May and June 2020, which comes as part of unified national efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, announced the launch of a service on the Social Insurance Organization’s website (www.sio.gov.bh), enabling employers to register, starting today, Wednesday, to benefit from the government’s commitment to pay the salaries of citizens working in private sector establishments. The eService enables employers to register their banking information via their active account with the Social Insurance Organization (SIO). If they do not have an active e‑account, they may activate it on the website. Humaidan affirmed that the government’s commitment to paying the salaries of citizens in the private sector comes within the framework of the keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, and the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them, to provide the necessary liquidity for the private sector to deal with the effects of the current situation and mitigate the social and economic impacts of the global COVID‑19 pandemic and its repercussions, and to maintain the growth of the private sector and enhance its vital role in supporting the national economy. Humaidan explained that salaries will be paid according to the figures registered with the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) until the end of February. He noted that these salaries will be paid through savings from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which will cost 215 million Bahraini dinars to cover the months of April, May and June 2020, at a monthly rate exceeding 70 million dinars. This includes all Bahrainis working in private sector establishments, numbering approximately 100,000 employees and workers registered with SIO.
Al-Dosari participates in the meeting of the Labor Agents Committee in the Cooperation Council countries online
03-04-2020
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Sabah Salem Al Dossari, participated in the emergency coordination meeting of the Committee of Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Labour in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, via live videoconference. The meeting reviewed the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the GCC countries to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), particularly the countries' efforts to protect workers, ensuring the health and safety of all and the smooth running of production in private sector facilities. The meeting addressed GCC countries' initiatives to ensure a safe, secure and productive work environment. In this context, Al Dossari outlined the practical measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to ensure smooth operations in private sector institutions and companies, including providing support and assistance to enterprises to enable them to fulfil their developmental role. The undersecretaries of the Ministries of Labour in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries affirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of national cadres working in the private sector and expatriate workers alike, in accordance with local national legislation and international labour standards. This commitment will mitigate the impact and repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Gulf economy and the stability of its labour markets.