News
Humaidan receives a copy of "The Role of Arab Women in Trade Union Work"
18-12-2022
Labour Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met with the Vice President of Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr) and former Officer of Working Women and Children’s Affairs Zubaida Al Balushi, where she presented him with a copy of her book (The Role of Arab Women in Trade Union Work). Humaidan praised the efforts made by the author in this specialised work, by documenting the role of working women in the Arab world, and their ability to represent themselves in various labour and trade union organisations. This publication aims to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of working women and supporting their career and development. In six chapters, the book deals with the trade union contributions of Arab women at the local level, namely the Gulf and Bahraini women, and their role in this field. It also provides an account of the fruitful journey of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) and its achievements for Bahraini women. In addition, it highlights the author's personal experience in Bahraini trade union work and the achievements of the Women and Children Committee of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr).
With great gratitude, Eng. Mustafa Aqeel Al-Sheikh, the Director of the Inspection and Occupational Safety has been awarded the Medal of Appreciation from HM the King in the celebration held on the oc
16-12-2022
With great gratitude, Eng. Mustafa Aqeel Al-Sheikh, the Director of the Inspection and Occupational Safety has been awarded the Medal of Appreciation from HM the King in the celebration held on the occasion of the 51st National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Ministry of Labour celebrates National day
15-12-2022
Today, Thursday, the Ministry of Labour, with the participation of all its staff, held its annual celebration on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's joyful celebrations of its National Day in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state during the era of founder Ahmed Al-Fateh as an Arab and Muslim state in 1783 AD. This happy occasion also marks the anniversary of the accession of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. During this joyous event, H.E. Minister of Labour Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan emphasised that the national celebrations express the love and loyalty of the Bahraini people to HM the King, pointing out that it is an opportunity to recall the bright and honorable achievements made by the Kingdom of Bahrain and contributed to its renaissance and progress.
Labour Minister briefs GASTAT’s Chairman on electronic recruitment systems in Bahrain
14-12-2022
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met with Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT’s) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and his accompanying delegation, within the framework of enhancing joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries in various fields, especially in the field of labour market regulation and employment issues. During the meeting, Humaidan briefed Al-Dossari on the regulations applied in providing job seekers and employers' services and on the electronic system that regulates all recruitment processes. The minister went to explain about the criteria needed for matching the qualifications of job seekers with the vacancies offered, especially since most of the operations are automated in partnership with the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Public Authority for Social Insurance. This high-tech electronic connectivity between the various government agencies helps to ensure more accuracy in the application of all exchange standards, whether it be with unemployment insurance entitlements for beneficiaries, or that concerning the employment standards. The induction of such electronic systems in public services led to a reduction the documents required for researchers and employers to conduct transactions, which contributed to the development of recruitment processes, training and conditions of unemployment insurance benefits quickly and effectively. For his part, Al-Dossari praised the experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain in organising and developing the criteria for registering job seekers and the facilities granted to them and motivating them to register with the Ministry. At the forefront of these standards is the disbursement of unemployment insurance, which is a leading system in the region. He also commended the quality of services provided to the unemployed, such as job opportunities, training programs, on-the-job training opportunities, and the advantages of employing national competencies that employers benefit from.
iGA, Labour Ministry launch Technical Development Programme to train 240 ICT graduates in 3 years
11-12-2022
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, announced the launch of the ‘Technical Development Programme’ at a press conference held at the Officer’s Club. The program aims to train Bahraini university graduates and job seekers in the ICT field. 240 participants, between the ages of 21 and 30, and are registered in the National Employment Program with the Ministry of Labour, will be accepted into the program in batches by the iGA over a period of three years. Speaking during the conference, the Minister of Labour stressed the Government’s commitment to providing training opportunities for citizens. He affirmed that the program is in line with the objective of the Economic Recovery Plan launched in 2021, through developing a high skilled national workforce, especially in the ICT and cybersecurity fields. He added that the Ministry has nominated 100 graduates and job seekers who are registered with the Ministry’s employment program, 80 of them will receive a year-long training as part of the first batch in the Technical Development Program. The trainees will each receive a remuneration of BD400 a month as financial support. For his part, iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed affirmed the Authority’s support in developing the national skill set in the ICT field. He added that this initiative is in line with the Government’s set goals and launched strategies, including the Information & Telecommunications (ICT), and Digital Economy Strategy (2022-2026). He highlighted that the Technical Development Program will involve upscaling the participants’ qualifications by obtaining internationally accredited Professional Certificates, which will contribute to their career development. Graduates and job seekers who meet the set requirements can register for the program from 11th to 24th December 2022 by visiting the program webpage available on the iGA’s website, iga.gov.bh. It includes a detailed explanation of all terms and condition. WHQ
Labour Minister meets ILO Director-General at Asia-Pacific Conference in Singapore
08-12-2022
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met with Mr. Gilbert Hongbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), on the sidelines of his participation in the 17th Conference of the Asia-Pacific Region of the ILO, held in the Republic of Singapore from 6 to 9 December 2022. Humaidan praised the technical cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the ILO, and the organization's support for many programs and initiatives related to labor affairs launched by the Kingdom that contributed to achieving stability and steady growth in the labor market in recent years. During the meeting, Humaidan discussed a number of issues of common interest, and reviewed the most prominent projects and advanced strategic plans adopted by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to raise employment rates for citizens and maintain the unemployment rate within safe and low limits within the framework of the economic recovery plan. Both sides also discussed the initiatives and programs implemented by the Government of Bahrain in cooperation with production partners, employers and workers, within the framework of continuous care for the rights of the workforce, ensuring equality between different categories of workers and combating all forms of discrimination and trafficking in persons. HE the Minister of Labour provided details on the advanced steps taken by Bahrain to ensure the stability in labour relations during the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He precisely talked about the measures taken to provide financial and economic support packages that contributed to the stability of employment in various productive sectors and the importance of strengthening social protection systems for workers. Additionally, he expressed admiration for the pioneering model launched by the Kingdom of Bahrain in cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO) concerning unemployment insurance in 2006. In turn, the Director-General of the Organization lauded the innovative experiences brought about by the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially relating to the positive cooperation between the three production parties and developing social dialogue to serve labour and production issues. Hongbo saluted the efforts made by Bahrain to combat the negative effects of the (Covid-19) pandemic on the labour market and its keenness to achieve financial, economic and social support for all workers in Bahrain.
Minister of Labour confirms stability and growth in Bahrain’s labour market thanks to the economic recovery plan
07-12-2022
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), affirmed that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attaches great importance to continuing and strengthening cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and brotherly and friendly countries in order to consolidate the foundations and principles and its endeavours to spread social justice and promote fundamental rights at work. His Excellency also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the generous patronage by H.E. Mrs. Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, and for her support of the stability and growth of the relationship between the production parties. Humaidan also referred to the economic recovery plan launched by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to stimulate the national economy, develop the labor market, develop promising sectors and attract more job-generating investments. Accordingly, he explained the aspects of the success of this plan, which contributed to raising the employment rates of citizens, reducing the unemployment rate, and achieving more stability and growth for the labor market in a period not exceeding a year of its launch This came in the speech of the Kingdom of Bahrain delivered by Humaidan before the 17th Conference of Ministers of Labour and Employment of the Asia-Pacific Member States of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is held in Singapore from 6 to 9 December 2022. Participation in this conference is represented by high-level delegations, led by labour ministers from 47 countries, and heads of employers' and workers' organizations and organizations in Asia and the Pacific. H.E. the Minister of Labour praised the Director-General's choice of the theme "Renewed social justice for a human centered recovery in Asia, the Pacific and Arab countries" as the theme of the conference, due to its close relevance to the various challenges faced by member states. In addition to being the main axis of the strategic plan to support the structural transformation of countries' economies in a way that contributes to the growth of labour markets and the achievement of job security and social protection. In his speech, Humaidan reviewed Bahrain's efforts to overcome the repercussions imposed by the global spread of the Corona pandemic (Covid-19) and the success stories it has recorded in this path by launching initiatives with humanitarian, health and economic dimensions. At the forefront of these are the provision of financial and social support packages to private sector enterprises to address the economic effects of the pandemic, which effectively contributed to the stability of the labor market and avoiding the specter of layoffs or job losses. During his narration of the events, HE the Minister of Labour touched on the role of integrated social protection systems in addressing the repercussions of the pandemic, referring in this context to the role of the unemployment insurance system, which has been applied in the Kingdom since 2006. He also referred to the contribution of the project in strengthening social protection for workers and job seekers during this exceptional period. At the end of his speech, he thanked the Republic of Singapore for hosting the work of this conference, stressing that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proactive in cooperating with the production parties to achieve the objectives of the organization.
Minister of Labour presides over Bahrain’s delegation to the Asia-Pacific Conference in Singapore
06-12-2022
HE Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, headed on Tuesday the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the 17th Conference of Ministers of Labour and Employment of the Asia-Pacific Member States of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is held in the Republic of Singapore from 6 to 9 December 2022, under the chairmanship of HE Mrs. Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, together with high-level delegations headed by ministers concerned with labor from (47) countries. Also, in attendance are heads of bodies and organizations of employers and workers in Asia and the Pacific. The delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain taking part in the current session of the conference includes representatives of the Ministry of Labour, headed by Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, in addition to Mr. Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representing employers, and Mr. Hassan Abdulla Al-Halwachi, Deputy Secretary-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, representing workers, and in the presence and participation of Mr. Yaqoob Yousef Mohammed, Chairman of the Executive Council of Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr). In her opening speech, H. E. Halimah Yacob, President of Singapore, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among the Asia-Pacific countries to ensure the success of economic recovery plans that generate decent jobs, enhance fruitful cooperation between the three production parties in member countries to serve development and production issues in this region. Her Excellency also pointed out the importance of investing in developing the skills needed by the labour markets both now and in the future. The conference will discuss the most important political, economic and social issues in the field of labour related to the Asia-Pacific countries in particular, the development of plans and programs of the International Labour Organization and the budgets allocated to it. Other topics on the conference’s agenda includes the projects and programs on job growth, and the best successful experiences in addressing the economic and social effects of the (Covid-19) pandemic on the economies of the world, and the recovery of labour markets with the receding of the pandemic. It will also concentrate on the need to strengthen tripartite commitment to international labour standards, especially in the area of promoting dialogue and cooperation to achieve greater stability and job generation. The current session of the conference will review the report of Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in which he addresses the importance of promoting equity and human capacities to take advantage of opportunities in a changing working world. Equally important, the talks will address aspects of supporting employers and workers through digital transformation and upgrading professional, technical and institutional skills in order to promote decent work and continue efforts to grow a sustainable economy. Equivalently, the meetings presented an overview of the financial and investment policies in the labour markets and the possibilities of investing in digital infrastructure to meet future human resource needs in line with economic transformation and market expectations. Similarly, emphasis was placed on strengthening social dialogue between the parties of production, including the creation of economic recovery policies. All the debates emphasize the importance of supporting countries' efforts to promote equality between men and women in labour markets, as well as improving productivity levels in enterprises and activating skills as a means of creating jobs, and developing skills especially for medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs).
Decision issued by Minister of Labour .. Reformation of the Joint Coordination Committee of the Unemployment Labour Law
04-12-2022
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, issued a decision to reconstitute the Joint Coordination Committee to follow up the implementation of the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Law, stipulated in Article (3) of Decree-Law No. (78) of 2006 on Unemployment Insurance, under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour. The membership of this committee consists of representatives of the Ministry of Labour and the Social Insurance Organization. The Committee is responsible for following up the implementation of the provisions of Decree-Law No. (78) of 2006 on unemployment insurance, proposing the necessary ministerial decisions for its implementation and solutions that contribute to the development of the unemployment insurance system, and completing any other tasks assigned to it by the Ministry of Labour and the Social Insurance Organization. The members of the Committee consist of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, namely: Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al-Hayki, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Fowziya Saleh Shehab, Director of Compensation and Unemployment Support, Ms. Ebtisam Salem Al-Rawahi, Head of Legal Affairs, Mr. Jaafar Mousa Al-Jad, Head of Information Systems Development, and Ms. Najwa Abdul Shaheed Buhassan, Head of Insurance Claims Registration and Evaluation. On the other hand, representatives from the Social Insurance Organization are: Mr. Abdullah Turki Al Mahmoud, Executive Director of Customer Services, Mrs. Salma Abdulrahman Al-Sayed, Executive Director of Information Technology, Mr. Khalid Ali Abdulaziz, Executive Director of Insurance Entitlements, and Mrs. Abeer Jassim Al-Amir, Director of Loans and Compensation.
Labour Minister meets Al Hurr Executive Council Chairman
03-12-2022
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met with Mr. Yaqoob Yousef Mohammed, Executive Council Chairman of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr), who was accompanied by Board Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Free Pensioners Centre (under establishment), in his office at the Ministry. During the meeting, they reviewed the most important achievements and gains of trade union work in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The two parties also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and trade union organisations within the framework of tripartite social dialogue. HE the Minister was briefed on the objectives of the Free Pensioners Centre, which Al Hurr is set to launch in the next phase. This centre will include a group of retirees and aims to serve this category by benefiting from their long experience and encouraging them to develop plans, train young capabilities and provide generations with knowledge to develop their job performance. Humaidan stressed the positive contributions made by trade union organisations, pointing to the importance of strengthening joint coordination in order to improve the work environment and use it to encourage excellence and increase productivity in private sector establishments. In turn, the Executive Council Chairman of Bahrain Free Labour Federation (Al Hurr) praised the ongoing cooperation between the two sides, pointing to the support of the Ministry of Labour for human resources and its insistence to provide a decent work environment that encourages initiatives in promoting the trade union activities. He looked forward to further the cooperation between the three production parties to achieve sustainable growth in various productive sectors.
His Highness the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour chaired the meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee
30-11-2022
Ministry of Labour held its regular meeting of its Equal Opportunities Committee under the chairmanship of the Undersecretary of the Ministry, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, at his office. During the meeting, they reviewed operational plans and programs that contribute to achieving the goals and principles of equal opportunities, supporting the advancement of working women, in addition to benefiting women in general, from the various services provided by the ministry. The committee also highlighted the importance on improving and promoting gender equality amongst the ministry staff.
Minister of Labour congratulates HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa on Bahraini Women's Day
29-11-2022
His Excellency Minister of Labour Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan extended his sincerest congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, on the occasion of celebrating the achievements of Bahraini women, December 1st of each year. Humaidan emphasised that the gains achieved by Bahraini women through accessing leadership positions and their progress in the nation-building process, thanks to the wise vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the keenness of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the leadership of Her Highness the Princess of the Supreme Council for Women, which made it a leading model in formulating policies, developing plans and implementing programs to achieve goals with an economic, social and cultural returns for Bahraini women and families. This is done through the implementation of the National Strategy for Bahraini Women and the programs offered by the SCW since its establishment, which reflected positively on the reality of Bahraini women, and contributed to strengthening the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain worldwide in supporting the advancement and empowerment of women. Humaidan praised the great achievements of Bahraini women in various fields, as they are considered a key element in the development process, and their contributions extend to all aspects of public life. Thus, this woman deserved to be a key partner in the national development process, and for this reason, the celebration came as a culmination of the contributions of Bahraini women in all fields and their fruitful contribution to building of the country. On this occasion, HE the Minister of Labour affirmed that the Ministry shall continue to introduce qualitative initiatives in order to achieve more achievements in the field of the advancement of Bahraini women, at various economic and social levels, based on previous experiences and building on their development. The minister hopes that the cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and the Supreme Council for Women will stand firm in preserving and enhancing the gains made by Bahraini women, so as to ensure broader development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Labour Minister presented a copy in “The Impact of Applying Occupational Safety Standards in Reducing Accidents in Projects”
26-11-2022
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met with Eng. Ali Hussain Mohammed Murad, in his office at the ministry, to present him with a copy of his master's dissertation in "The Impact of Applying Occupational Safety Standards in Reducing Accidents in Projects", from the Royal Police Academy in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This dissertation focused on demonstrating the importance of international standards in achieving occupational safety in various projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially those concerning sewage treatment, and the tools that can be used to reduce occupational accidents. In addition, the study addressed the laws and legislations in the Kingdom, which contribute to improve the levels of accident prevention at the workplace. Humaidan was impressed by this study, because it focused on an essential element, which is ensuring the safety and health of workers, providing a safe working environment that is free from diseases and occupational accidents and complying with the rules and precautions of occupational safety and health that threaten the lives and health of individuals in the workplace.
Increase safety measures to protect workers from electrical hazards
25-11-2022
The Ministry of Labor held a workshop on "Electrical Safety at Work Sites", with the participation of 60 supervisors and officials of occupational safety in private sector establishments, within the framework of developing safety and health requirements in workers' accommodations and enhancing awareness of safe practices to prevent electrical hazards and occupational accidents at work sites, and the right to work in safe and sound conditions. During the workshop, Mr. Brian Sammon, the Safety Manager at ESB International, spoke about the challenges facing workers at the workplace versus suitable management solutions, noting the importance of achieving appropriate conditions to ensure maximum safety and protection of workers in their homes, as well as intensifying prevention to protect them from occupational accidents at work sites. Mr. Ed Thomas, from Hitachi Energy, then spoke about "Safe Practices to Prevent Electrical Hazards at Worksites" in which, he reviewed the technical and practical procedures that must be followed in order to achieve safety at work sites, especially in high-risk areas. The participants expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Labour for holding such informative forums, noting the efforts of the official authorities and their continuous endeavor to ensure the sustainability of the health and safety of workers in the Kingdom of Bahrain in various circumstances.
Al Rashed Group honours “Centrepoint” long-service employees .. Humaidan praises Retail Sector for attracting Bahraini Capabilities
23-11-2022
Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, a ceremony was held by Al Rashed Group to mark the anniversary of the establishment of Centrepoint, at City Centre Bahrain Mall, on Wednesday, in the presence of Mr. Duaij Al Rumaihi, Director of City Centre Bahrain, and Mr. Sandeep Narin, Regional President of Al Rashed Group, along with senior officials and 150 Bahraini employees. In a statement on this occasion, Humaidan acknowledged with appreciation the supportiveness extended by Al Rashed Group with regards to the employment programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Labour; in addition to providing many attractive job opportunities for citizens in various administrative and technical jobs. On this occasion, the minister also praised the effectiveness and excellence of the national workforce and their keenness to develop themselves professionally in achieving their ambition to move up the career ladder by means of improving their productivity. For his part, Mr. Narain said that since the inception of the Group's work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, reliance has always focused on the national element that contributed to the development of the retail sector. He further indicates that the support provided by the ministry to various institutions and companies operating in the private sector is manifested by qualified national manpower who are in turn granted rewarding incentives. Narin goes on to explain the company's efforts in attracting a large number of promising Bahraini capabilities and employing them at various levels of the company. During the years 2021-2022, the company allocated 51% of job vacancies to Bahraini job seekers who were registered with the ministry At the event a number of Bahraini employees who have completed more than 15 years of exemplary work at Al Rashed Group were honoured.
Minister of Labour meets Singaporean Manpower Minister
20-11-2022
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, met with His Excellency Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defense and Manpower of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting the country to participate in the activities of the 18th Forum of the Manama Dialogue Conference 2022. During the meeting, they discussed joint cooperation in the field of human resources development, as well as experiences in improving legislation related to national labour that promotes workers' rights and provides a safe and sound work environment. In this context, Humaidan praised Singapore's experience in the field of human development, stressing the importance of upgrading training policies and keeping pace with developments in the labour market. For his part, Zaqy praised the progress and development enjoyed by Bahrain in this prosperous era, pointing to its pioneering experience in reforming and developing the labour market and national human resources. He also praised the Kingdom's work environment that stimulates production.
Humaidan praises Carrefour's efforts in recruiting national capabilities
18-11-2022
H.E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, stressed on the continuation of efforts to accelerate the pace of employment and integration of nationals in various economic and commercial sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in light of the economic recovery plan. The minister pointed to the importance of strengthening cooperation with the private sector in order to achieve national goals in the labour market by sustaining stability and the capacity to generate more suitable jobs for citizens and develop them professionally in companies and institutions. This came during a statement made by the minister after his visit on Thursday to Carrefour (owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Humaidan met with Mr. Laurent Hauskencht, Country Manager at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, Mr. Mohamed Farhat, Vice President Human Capital and Mr. Ghassan Al Jaroudi, Head Commercial & Operations. The minister was briefed on the plans and efforts that are being made to recruit more national capabilities at the various branches of the company in the respective governorates. The visit was to express thanks and gratitude to the company's management after the positive results achieved in employing promising national youth at various job levels. During the period from 2021 and 2022, the company employed (163) job seekers in all its branches, bringing the total number of employees to (332) Bahrainis. The company supports the employment of national capabilities on the part-time basis, which include people with special needs. The company's Bahrainisation rate was 32%. In this context, Humaidan praised Carrefour's strategy in strengthening its administrative and technical teams with Bahraini competencies, stressing that the national element is the real capital of companies and institutions in order to achieve more growth and productivity. The minister referred to the successful experiences achieved by citizens at various stages of employment in the private sector, calling on various establishments to strengthen their job structure by including qualified Bahraini manpower and to benefit from the advantages provided by the government from wage support, free training and other facilities. For his part, Mr. Laurent Hauskencht praised the national capabilities working at Majid Al Futtaim for their remarkable productivity, stressing that the high rates of employment of Bahrainis in the company is due to their ingenuity, discipline and keen sense of responsibility. With that said, he referred to the incentives provided by the Ministry of Labour to the private sector for recruiting job seekers and developing them professionally. Mr. Hauskecht reaffirmed the company’s determination to support all efforts and initiatives aimed at attracting and employing nationals. During his visit, Humaidan met with a group of Bahraini employees working for the company and listened to the success stories of a number of them, and their career progression thanks to their persistence to continue developing and promoting their country. The minister greatly appreciated the support granted by Carrefour for promising Bahraini capabilities. H.E. the Minister of Labour also met with Mr. Mohammed Mohsen Ali, President of the Bahrain Agricultural Cooperative Society and a number of Bahraini farmers who supply Carrefour Bahrain with their local agricultural produce and congratulated the company and the society for finding such a fruitful cooperation between them.
Recruitment of Bahraini Capabilities in Banking & Finance
07-11-2022
H. H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of Ministry of Labour, met with Ms. Ruth Simuyemba Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Bank, and Mr. Hamad Abdul Rahman Bucheery Head of Special Accounts Department and Islamic banking services, as part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance cooperation with respect to employment in private sector. His Highness the Undersecretary talked about the continuous endeavours exerted by the ministry to increase employment of citizens in the vital sectors and to invest in training and employment opportunities, particularly the banking and financial sector. In this context, His Excellency highly acknowledged the support which was lent by Standard Chartered Bank to aid the ministry in attaining its goals. Simply put, His Highness emphasised the importance for strengthening the partnership with the bank in order to employ more jobseekers through the training and employment initiatives activated by the ministry, including the on-the-job training program "Forus/opportunities". For her part, Ms. Simuyemba welcomed the partnership with the Ministry of Labour and expressed the bank's readiness to offer several training and employment opportunities. She also noted the interest of the management of Standard Chartered Bahrain in attracting Bahraini capabilities and enhancing its work environment. Lastly, she brought up the “Award for Best Workplaces” by Great Place to Work in the United Arab Emirates, which was granted to the bank.
LMRA endorses the outcomes from tightening of controls and intensifying inspection campaigns
06-11-2022
The Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) held its virtual sixth meeting for the fourth session virtually under the chairmanship of H. E. Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), and in the presence of the members of the Board of Directors and Mrs. Noof Abdulrahman Jamsheer, CEO of LMRA. The Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) affirmed its keenness to create a competitive work environment that enjoys justice and stability and guarantees the rights of both parties to work in order to enhance their contributions to the comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The LMRA board commended the prudent directive of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to revoke the flexible work permit, in addition to registering all expatriate workers in partnership with the private sector, intensifying inspection campaigns, tightening dealing with violators from employers and workers, and working to link professional work licenses with standards and qualifications. The board went on to praise the royal edict for its emphasis on providing an appropriate environment for workers in a way that considers their rights and increases the effectiveness of their role in economic development. Accordingly, the Board of Directors welcomed the results achieved within the framework of tightening control and intensifying inspection campaigns, which contributed to strengthening government efforts to address illegal practices in the labour market, as well as toughen actions against violators from employers and workers and to combat irregular employment. For her part, Mrs. Noof Abdulrahman Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer of the LMRA, presented a detailed report, in which she highlighted the efforts and programs of the authority and the results achieved. In that framework, Jamsheer pointed out that the launch of the “Labour Registration System” coincides with the unveiling of a new phase of public-private partnership to develop the labour market and address any obstacles in the work environment, especially since the "public" and "private" sectors believe in the same objectives related to achieving sustainable economic development and maintaining the stability of the work environment that ensures fairness, competitiveness and flexibility when addressing the market needs. The CEO also reviewed the LMRA's plan to intensify inspection campaigns and tighten dealing with violators from workers and employers, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and all relevant agencies, stressing the authority’s keenness to deal firmly with any breaches in the market. Jamsheer touched on the authority’s efforts in implementing several strategic projects that will contribute to the development of the work environment for all parties of production (worker and employer).
Media Reps on a Visit to Labour Ministry briefed on Jobseekers’ Services
06-11-2022
A number of media professionals and representatives of the local press visited the Ministry of Labour and were briefed on the programs and services provided by the ministry to citizens in the fields of rehabilitation and employment, on the unemployment benefit system, and the efforts made to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors within the framework of the economic recovery plan. The delegation met with a number of officials at the ministry, who gave them a detailed explanation on the procedures, requirements and stages that the jobseeker goes through starting with the registration stage, followed by the evaluation and guidance stage and ending with three levels of training. The review provided information about the specialised training programs, a reaffirmation of commitment of training along with employment (“daman”/assurance), on-the-job training (“forus”/opportunities). Next the delegation was briefed on the employment and follow-up phase that focus on the employment conditions of the citizens working in private sector establishments. This stage aims to ensure the provision of an ideal working environment that helps enhance workers’ growth and productivity, security of labour rights; whilst bearing in mind, the social protection provided by the unemployment benefit system in the Kingdom of Bahrain. All these services are provided by the ministry via its website: www.mlsd.gov.bh.