The World Summit discusses efforts and initiatives to confront the Covid-19 pandemic
01-07-2020
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s swift and comprehensive response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, noting in particular the Kingdom’s support for private‑sector establishments, its success in preserving workers’ rights and job stability, and its creation of new employment opportunities for citizens across productive sectors—measures that have helped maintain labour‑market resilience and mitigate local economic impacts. Humaidan participated today, Wednesday, via videoconference, in the International Labour Organisation’s regional summit on “The COVID‑19 Pandemic and the World of Work in Arab Countries.” The summit assembled labour ministers from Arab member states, representatives of chambers of commerce and trade unions, as well as delegates from specialised international organisations and scholars from leading universities. Its purpose was to facilitate experience‑sharing among the tripartite production partners, examine the pandemic’s social and economic repercussions, showcase exemplary response practices and coordinate Arab initiatives to mitigate the outbreak’s adverse effects on workers while reviewing the preventive measures adopted across the region. Humaidan stated that, acting upon the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, the decisions of the Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the orders of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Kingdom launched a BHD 4.3 billion financial‑and‑economic stimulus package that unified national efforts to counter the repercussions of COVID‑19. All government initiatives focused on cushioning institutions and individuals from economic fallout and safeguarding labour‑market stability. Through the Unemployment Fund, the State paid the full wages of Bahraini employees in the private sector for April, May and June 2020 and, following consultations with the legislative authority and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, covered 50 per cent of the salaries of insured Bahrainis in the hardest‑hit enterprises for an additional three months beginning July 2020, under conditions set by the Ministry in coordination with the competent bodies. These measures markedly preserved citizens’ employment security. Concurrently, the Government, via the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and in line with Board‑approved criteria, channelled targeted support to the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic, thereby injecting liquidity into local markets and reinforcing sustainable‑development objectives. Humaidan underscored the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to shielding the business sector and safeguarding the entire workforce, while ensuring comprehensive healthcare and social‑protection services for citizens and residents alike. He noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has maintained uninterrupted, fully electronic delivery of all labour‑market and social‑care services, thereby streamlining public access—most notably to employment‑placement tools—during the pandemic. Simultaneously, virtual training and qualification programmes have continued apace, consolidating Bahrain’s regional leadership in learning and skills development. Looking ahead to the post‑COVID‑19 phase, Humaidan confirmed that the Kingdom is intensifying studies and procedures to identify the competencies required for emerging fields in advanced technologies and information technology, including new medical specialisations dedicated to epidemic response, so as to equip national cadres with the skills essential for future labour‑market demand and sustained economic growth.