News
MLSD Minister discusses strengthening joint cooperation with the President of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry
06-10-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), met with His Excellency Mr. Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the Ministry. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance joint co‑operation, developing initiatives to strengthen the labour market with qualified national cadres and to advance Bahraini human resource development. They also examined Government support for private‑sector establishments and the facilities available to them, alongside other matters related to further developing the Kingdom’s labour market. In this context, Humaidan commended employers for their national role at various key stages and milestones, noting that the cohesion and development of the labour market require greater cooperation and the launch of creative initiatives that enhance its stability and growth. He emphasised the Government’s commitment to providing all forms of support and assistance to the private sector, considering it the primary partner in the development process witnessed by the Kingdom during this prosperous era. Mr. Nass praised the support and facilities provided by the judicious Government to private-sector establishments, stressing that employers greatly appreciate and value this assistance, which sustains growth and invigorates production across diverse economic and commercial fields. He noted that the Government’s financial packages for employers have had clear, positive effects on Bahrain’s overall economic landscape. Mr. Nass further highlighted the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s keenness to attract Bahraini workers to private-sector establishments, citing their competence, capability and employment discipline, and emphasised their vital contribution to the Kingdom’s economic sustainability and development.
MLSD Minister praises the royal decree to pay 50% of the wages of workers in the most affected sectors
05-10-2020
Identifying the sectors most affected by COVID‑19 and eligible for financial support. Minister of Labour announces the conditions for eligibility to pay 50 % of citizens’ salaries in the private sector until next December. His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, welcomed the issuance of Decree-Law No. (30) of 2020 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, which adds a new clause to the Unemployment Insurance Decree‑Law. The amendment authorises, for three months from October 2020, the payment of up to 50 per cent of the wages of insured Bahraini workers in private-sector establishments most affected by the repercussions of COVID-19, in accordance with criteria set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Humaidan stressed that the decree reflects the keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, to ensure job stability for his citizens working in various private-sector establishments, especially in the most affected sectors. At the same time, it reflects the optimal use of available financial resources from the surplus unemployment insurance amid the current global health crisis and its repercussions on many sectors. He pointed out that, thanks to the royal directives and the efforts of the judicious Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him, most productive sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain have overcome the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He also noted the Cabinet’s decision, taken at its weekly session last Monday and 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, to cover 50 % of the salaries of insured Bahrainis in the private sector’s most affected sectors for three months—from October to December 2020—under the terms and conditions set for this purpose. This measure implements the royal directives to unify national efforts to confront the pandemic’s repercussions while safeguarding the health and safety of citizens and residents, maintaining state programmes, injecting liquidity into local markets and supporting the economic sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic. Humaidan noted that the decision to subsidise 50 % of insured Bahrainis’ wages in the private sector builds on earlier measures: the Government covered the whole salaries of citizens employed in the private sector for April, May and June, and then shouldered 50 % of wages in affected establishments for July, August and September. The current step, therefore, continues that graduated support by meeting half the wage bill for Bahrainis in the sectors still experiencing full or partial closure and struggling to sustain operations. In light of the Royal Decree, and after coordination and consultation with the relevant official authorities, His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, issued an executive decision identifying the sectors most affected by the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic, and therefore eligible for financial support for the wages of Bahraini workers: the travel, aviation, tourism and hotel services sector; the entertainment, cinemas, conference and exhibition organisation sector; event halls and local newspapers; transportation companies and car‑rental companies; education, rehabilitation and training—such as nurseries, kindergartens, training and education institutes and rehabilitation centres for People of Determination —in addition to the retail sector (other than the sale of food and household goods) and the restaurant sector. Humaidan added that, to qualify for this wage support, an establishment must be a company or institution whose operations have been fully or partially suspended—or fundamentally affected by the downturn in travel and tourism—in a way that impairs its ability to meet wage obligations; must pledge to retain its national workforce for the entire support period; must pay the remaining portion of each Bahraini employee’s wage in full and on the scheduled pay‑date throughout that period; and must employ Bahraini workers who were insured under the Social Insurance Law promulgated by Decree‑Law No. (24) of 1976 as at the end of September 2020, or who were hired and insured via the National Employment Programme up to the end of the month preceding each disbursement. He added that the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) will fund up to 50 % of the insured wage of Bahrainis in the most‑affected private‑sector entities, drawing on savings in the Unemployment Insurance Fund. After consulting the competent authorities, the Ministry will forward the list of eligible establishments within the specified sectors and activities to the SIO, which will transfer the support in the fourth week of each month. This assistance, he said, reflects the Government’s determination to safeguard Bahraini jobs, ensure workforce stability and protect citizens’ living standards. He also commended employers for their cooperation and for maintaining the national workforce during these exceptional circumstances.
In memory of the "International Day of Elderly" .. MLSD Minister: 14 homes that provide a psychological and social atmosphere and services for more than 1,500 people
30-09-2020
Senior citizens benefiting from financial support services exceed 28,000 His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October provides an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s pioneering regional and international record in delivering care, development, health, legal and rehabilitation services for senior citizens, ensuring them a decent living and high quality of life. These services form part of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain for every citizen—particularly the elderly—and reflect the legislative advances achieved during the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the full support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the diligent follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. Humaidan made these remarks in a statement marking the International Day of Older Persons, an occasion the United Nations General Assembly has observed annually since 1990. This year’s commemoration carries special significance as the UN highlights the pivotal role of healthcare professionals in safeguarding senior citizens under the theme “Epidemics: Are they changing how we deal with age and ageing?”—a timely reflection amid a global health crisis that has disproportionately affected the elderly worldwide. Humaidan welcomed this year’s International Day of Older Persons theme, describing it as a forward‑looking vision that heightens public understanding of healthy ageing and spotlights the vital contribution of healthcare professionals to seniors’ wellbeing. He stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has spared no effort in maintaining close, effective engagement with older citizens and in safeguarding their health and social protection—especially amid the COVID‑19 pandemic—through targeted initiatives designed to curb the virus’s spread among this high‑risk group. Measures include comprehensive health and safety protocols at the Ministry‑supervised shelter for the elderly; the suspension of in‑person activities at day‑care centres and parent clubs, replacing them with virtual gatherings while continuing to meet members’ diverse needs—particularly health‑related ones; Ministry of Health tele‑care and home delivery of medicines to shield seniors from exposure; and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s “Your Medications at Home” initiative, which supplies prescriptions and essential necessities to its registered families who cannot venture out, arranging hospital visits when required. Humaidan noted that Bahrain was among the first countries in the region to establish a National Committee for the Elderly, a multidisciplinary body drawn from government, civil‑society and private‑sector representatives that devises senior‑citizen strategies. Decree Law No. (58) of 2009 regarding Elderly Rights enshrined dignity and protection for older persons, while the Cabinet‑approved National Strategy for the Elderly focuses on development, health, wellbeing and an age‑inclusive environment. Fourteen day‑care centres and clubs now operate across the governorates, serving about 1,500 men and women; that network will expand to 20 facilities by end‑2021. Additional parent day‑care centres run under community partnerships, and the Ministry supervises a permanent residential home—another is being refurbished—for up to 50 seniors without family support. To streamline services, an Elderly Services Office at the Abdullah bin Yousef Fakhro Social Centre issues an “elderly card”, embedded in the national ID for citizens aged 60 and above. Cardholders receive 50 per cent discounts on numerous government fees, further concessions at private outlets, access to assistive devices and a suite of integrated services that enhance quality of life. Under Social Security Law 18 of 2006, 6,540 seniors receive social‑security benefits; 28,336 access financial‑support services; 1,664 draw disability allowances (figures to August 2020); 42 benefit from support devices; and 13,029 have obtained elderly cards since 2014. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development continues to collaborate with other ministries, state bodies, civil‑society organisations and the private sector to upgrade services, promote “age‑friendly” cities and ensure that support for older Bahrainis aligns with international best practice.
MLSD Minister meets with PM Al -Abbas and the Al-Aker and Maamir Charitable Associations
27-09-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with Member of the Council of Representatives Ammar Hussein Al Abbas, accompanied by the Chair of Al Eker Charitable Society, Ahmed Jaafar Arafat, the Chair of Al Maameer Charity Society, Ali Abdul Hussein and several board members from both societies. Arafat and Abdul Hussein outlined forthcoming programmes that will strengthen charitable and humanitarian services for residents of Al Eker and Al Maameer, stressing the importance of sustained coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to deliver these initiatives within a professional institutional framework and to promote volunteerism across Bahrain. Humaidan applauded the two organisations for their pivotal social role, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to active partnership with civil‑society organisations, open communication and targeted support that boosts community impact. He emphasised the value of adopting proven volunteer‑work models, innovating new programmes and launching projects that transform low‑income families into productive households by empowering them economically and socially. Al Abbas commended the Ministry’s continuous backing of civil‑society organisations and its dedication to advancing charitable work, underscoring the need for strong cooperation between non‑government entities and relevant authorities to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of humanitarian initiatives throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain.
MLSD Minister meets with MP Al-Ashery and members of Al-Dair Cooperative Consumer Society
24-09-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met with MP Dr Hesham Al Asheeri in the presence of Ibrahim Al Baqer, Vice‑Chairman of Al Dair Consumer Cooperative Society, and several board members, today, Thursday, in his office. During the meeting, the participants reviewed the development and social programmes that consumer cooperatives undertake, along with their role in sustaining the cooperative movement in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and examined key initiatives and investment projects the Al Dair Consumer Cooperative Society is implementing for the benefit of its members, local residents and the wider community. Humaidan underscored the need to strengthen community‑partnership efforts that advance development projects and encourage civil‑society organisations to turn innovative ideas into effective action, confirming the Ministry’s full support for such organisations in line with the Kingdom’s legal framework. MP Hesham Al Asheeri and the Society’s Vice‑Chairman Ibrahim Al Baqer praised the Ministry’s work to expand labour services, social‑welfare provision, charitable activity and volunteering, and they reiterated that robust community partnership is essential to sustain development projects that serve every segment of society.
Majid Al Futtaim Retail Company offers 100 job opportunities for national labour in Carrefour
23-09-2020
Assistant Under‑Secretary for Labour Affairs Mr Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki reiterated the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to deepening partnerships with private‑sector establishments, viewed as essential allies in advancing Bahrain’s labour market and equipping it with qualified national talent, and announced that Majid Al Futtaim Retail will create one hundred positions for Bahrainis across Carrefour branches. The pledge was confirmed during Al Hayki’s meeting with Mr Raafat Al Shanaa, Human Capital Services Manager at Carrefour Bahrain, where the company outlined plans to recruit local candidates over the next six months for roles linked to the chain’s expanding electronic‑services offering. Al Hayki noted that global labour markets are experiencing a marked shift towards roles in digital marketing, eServices and technology, while certain traditional occupations face obsolescence in the coming years, trends accelerated by current worldwide conditions, and urged job seekers to capitalise on emerging opportunities to secure swift entry into the workforce. He also thanked Majid Al Futtaim for partnering with the Ministry to advance programmes that integrate Bahraini talent into private-sector establishments.
Professional qualification for youth within the "Essentials of Entrepreneurship" program
21-09-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in partnership with The Nine Training Centre, has launched the “Entrepreneurship Basics” programme via video‑conferencing for a group of job‑seeking trainees, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills to enter the labour market. Participants study how to establish an enterprise, conduct market research and perform a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges analysis; they also learn the seven core elements of marketing, market segmentation, consumer behaviour, purchasing stages and communication channels for reaching customers, alongside key strategies to minimise costs and boost income. The curriculum features a hands‑on component in which beneficiaries visit Bahraini entrepreneurship hubs and successful business projects to explore their founding stories and growth trajectories. This initiative forms part of multiple memoranda of understanding that the Ministry has signed with public‑ and private‑sector training institutes, all designed to prepare, train and integrate Bahraini talent into a wide range of productive roles across the Kingdom’s private‑sector establishments.
Preparing national competencies within the engineering apprenticeship program to integrate them into the labor market
21-09-2020
As part of the apprenticeship programme, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in cooperation with the Civil Society for Supporting Education and Training, convened a meeting with diploma‑holding engineering job seekers to prepare them for on‑the‑job training that may lead to employment upon graduation. Several candidates will be selected for a six-month program combining theoretical instruction and workplace training in selected private-sector institutions, after which they may be considered for employment. Participants will also earn an international certificate in engineering drawing. The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s “Opportunities” programme, which helps job seekers gain practical experience and skills through structured placements in private‑sector organisations, thereby enhancing their readiness for the labour market.
Positive interaction of citizens with the activities and training courses at social development centers
19-09-2020
Director of the Social Development Centres Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ms Rania Abdulrahman Al Bastaki, confirmed that the Ministry’s initiative to deliver specialised training courses—launched in mid‑August across nine social centres in Bahrain’s governorates—has enjoyed remarkable success, attracting participants from diverse groups through live video technology. The courses covered life skills and safety, managing social disputes, marketing mechanisms for entrepreneurship and home‑based projects, and other competencies that help residents acquire practical experience during the exceptional conditions created by the Coronavirus COVID‑19 pandemic. Al Bastaki explained that these virtual programmes form part of each social centre’s ongoing role in raising public awareness. By presenting lectures and seminars remotely, the centres ensure community safety while fully observing national precautionary measures. She noted that the Ministry, in partnership with The Nine Training Centre, established a comprehensive plan to maintain educational outreach. The partner centre has provided technical support for the virtual delivery, and the Ministry’s social‑media pages (mlsdbahrain) have publicised each session, inviting the public to register via an electronic platform. Since mid‑August 2020, more than 550 women and men have benefited from the initiative—a response that reflects both high demand and active engagement. The lecture series addresses wide‑ranging interests aimed at developing participants’ cultural, social, professional and humanitarian perspectives. Speakers and trainers have underlined the value of life skills, psychological well‑being, stress management and conflict resolution; they have also guided participants through crisis‑time marketing techniques for entrepreneurs, highlighted leading mobile applications for promoting home‑based businesses and explored other topics that enrich daily life. All awareness‑raising activities will continue at the social centres. Al Bastaki emphasised that social centres remain pivotal at all times, serving as local hubs through which the Ministry offers social care and development services. Strategically located near residential areas, the centres provide comprehensive support that includes registering job‑seeker applications, following up on employment, offering vocational guidance, processing unemployment‑insurance claims, conducting social research, facilitating social‑assistance procedures, delivering family counselling, operating children and youth clubs and organising tailored training programmes for every segment of Bahraini society.
MLSD Minister meets PM AlSaleh and the board of directors of the Sanabis Consumer Cooperative
19-09-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received Member of Parliament His Excellency Mamdouh Abbas Al Saleh, along with the Chairman of the Board of Sanabis Consumer Cooperative Society, Ahmed Abdullah Asboul, and several board members. The delegation thanked the Minister for supporting the Society and for regularising its affairs following the Ministry’s appointment of the new board. Asboul outlined the Society’s current plans and programmes, which focus on launching investment projects that will benefit members and residents of the area while promoting volunteerism throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain. He acknowledged the Ministry’s consistent backing of civil‑society organisations engaged in development work, emphasising that such collaboration strengthens national development initiatives and advances the country’s progress. Humaidan praised the board’s commitment to fulfilling its developmental mission and confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to assist all civil society organisations, including consumer cooperatives, in achieving their objectives. He emphasised that supporting well-designed community projects ensures the sustainability of Bahrain’s cooperative movement and delivers tangible benefits to local communities. Al Saleh commended the Ministry’s wide-ranging efforts to empower civil-society institutions and reinforce community partnerships, noting that this cooperative spirit fosters initiatives that enhance Bahrain’s social and economic development.
MLSD Minister reviews with MP Al-Nafei the efforts to enhance the stability of national employment in the private sector
18-09-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, held a videoconference with Member of the Council of Representatives Mr Ibrahim Khaled Al-Nafiei to explore ways of deepening cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, particularly on legislation that safeguards workers’ rights and enhances workplace conditions in line with ongoing labour‑market developments. Humaidan outlined the Ministry’s continuous efforts to maintain employment stability for Bahraini citizens in private‑sector establishments, support dynamic employment programmes and launch initiatives that create quality opportunities suited to evolving economic circumstances. He underlined the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening social‑protection measures and to cultivating productive, worker‑friendly environments across companies and institutions, while acknowledging the Council of Representatives’ pivotal role in advancing labour and development legislation. Al-Nafiei praised the close collaboration with the Ministry and highlighted its achievements in generating employment opportunities, ensuring a decent standard of living and delivering efficient, digitally accessible social‑welfare services through centres spread across Bahrain’s governorates.
Bahrain participates in the meetings of the Arab Childhood Committee and Violence Against Children and the Arab Family Committee
17-09-2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain participated via videoconference on 15–16 September in the twenty‑fourth session of the Arab Childhood Committee, the sixteenth meeting of the Follow‑up Committee to End Violence against Children and the tenth session of the Arab Family Committee, all convened by the League of Arab States’ General Secretariat. The Bahraini delegation was led by Mr Khalid Abdulrahman Ishaq Al Kooheji, Acting Under‑Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Under‑Secretary for Community Development. Al Kooheji explained that the three meetings convened under exceptional regional circumstances, notably the economic downturn and the ongoing spread of COVID‑19, both of which have affected children and families across the Arab world. The twenty‑fourth session of the Arab Childhood Committee examined the pandemic’s impact on children and ways to protect them from risks associated with modern communication technologies. The sixteenth meeting of the Follow‑up Committee to End Violence against Children reviewed cooperation with relevant international child‑protection bodies and assessed progress achieved under the Arab Child‑Friendly Justice Manual. Meanwhile, the tenth session of the Arab Family Committee considered several strategies aimed at developing and strengthening Arab family capabilities, including the Arab Strategy to Reduce Domestic Violence and enhance family cohesion. During Bahrain’s interventions, Al Kooheji outlined Bahrain’s foremost achievements in safeguarding child rights and detailed the Kingdom’s regional and international initiatives that reinforce child protection. He highlighted government measures that deliver comprehensive health and education services to all target groups, ensuring every child grows up in a supportive environment backed by legislation that protects both childhood and the family. Al Kooheji stressed the value of exchanging expertise across Arab states and replicating successful, high‑impact initiatives to strengthen development programmes focused on families and children.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development: The continuation of stopping the activities of nurseries until October 25th
17-09-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development confirmed that, in line with the Coordination Committee’s directive, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, activities at all nurseries licensed by the Ministry will remain suspended until 25 October. This extension forms part of Bahrain’s precautionary strategy to curb the spread of COVID‑19 and to safeguard children under four, their families and the educational and administrative teams working in these facilities. The Ministry, in close coordination with the National Medical Taskforce and under the Committee’s guidance, has already prepared a comprehensive set of stringent health protocols tailored to early‑childhood settings. These protocols will govern every aspect of nursery operations once activities resume and are designed to meet children’s developmental needs while ensuring maximum protection for all stakeholders.
MLSD Minister reviews with PM ways to enhance quality job opportunities for citizens
16-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met in his office with His Excellency Mr. Yousef Zinelabidine Zainal, Member of the Council of Representatives, to review the Ministry’s latest labour‑market and social‑care services and to reinforce executive–legislative collaboration in support of sustainable‑development initiatives across the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, Humaidan briefed MP Zainal on the Ministry’s actions amid the current global circumstances, emphasising measures to safeguard citizens’ employment stability in the private sector and the continuous qualification and integration of national talent into all productive industries. He also highlighted ongoing enhancements to social-care services for every group and segment of society, as well as the Ministry’s commitment to advancing social and volunteer work throughout Bahrain. Zainal affirmed the legislative authority’s full support for the Ministry’s initiatives to stabilise the labour market, praising its success in developing and employing Bahraini human resources and its high‑quality social‑care programmes, especially those that empower productive families to achieve economic progress and household stability. He underscored the need for ever‑stronger cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to accelerate sustainable development in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development honors Al-Dosari on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Ministry
13-09-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan and senior officials, held a ceremony to honour His Excellency Mr. Sabah Salem Al Dossari, former Under‑Secretary of the Ministry, marking the conclusion of his service and his appointment to the esteemed Shura Council. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development congratulated Al Dossari on the royal confidence reflected in his appointment to the Shura Council. He commended Al Dossari’s steadfast efforts during his tenure at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, as well as his extensive contributions to the management of numerous labour- and social-sector issues. He noted Al Dossari's wealth of professional expertise, strong leadership in administrative affairs, patriotism, and unwavering dedication. The Minister wished him every success in his new national mission. For his part, Mr. Sabah Salem Al Dossari expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to all Ministry employees—particularly His Excellency Minister Humaidan—for their cooperation, which has helped achieve many gains in the Kingdom’s labour and social‑development fields. He praised the genuine sense of brotherhood he observed among the Ministry’s officials and staff, and he wished the Ministry continued success and progress in realising citizens’ aspirations during this prosperous era.
Disbursing social assistance within the program to unify the date for disbursing government support
12-09-2020
As part of implementing the Cabinet’s decision to unify the payment date for the five cash‑support programmes delivered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Housing, all eligible assistance is now transferred in a single instalment on the fifteenth of every month under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development; the standard‑of‑living allowance for retirees is exempt from this arrangement pursuant to an order by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Accordingly, Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan confirmed that, on 15 September, accounts of citizens registered for social‑assistance services were credited with support totalling approximately BHD 17 million, in line with all established eligibility criteria and regulations. The September 2020 disbursement covered social‑security assistance, the cost‑of‑living allowance, the disability allowance and the rent allowance issued by the Ministry of Housing. Humaidan also reiterated that cash compensation for the removal of the meat subsidy is issued quarterly: the previous tranche was deposited on 15 July for July, August and September, and the next will follow on 15 October for October, November and December. Humaidan underlined that fixing the disbursement date—effective since mid‑February 2020—allows citizens to receive funds from every support programme in a single transfer, helping them meet family commitments on a predictable schedule; this approach embodies the Government’s determination to maximise the direct benefit of assistance. He noted that the unified mechanism operates through an information system that integrates data from all direct‑support platforms, ensuring payments are processed on the fifteenth of each month, thereby boosting both efficiency and equity for eligible citizens. In the current cycle, BHD 9 million 485 thousand will reach 124 thousand 598 Bahraini families under the cost‑of‑living allowance. Social‑security assistance will go to about 16 thousand 784 families and individuals, totalling BHD 1 million 597 thousand, while 12 thousand 267 persons with disabilities will receive BHD 1 million 228 thousand through the disability allowance. In addition, the rent allowance disbursed by the Ministry of Housing will benefit 45,393 recipients at a value of BHD 4 million 549 thousand. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that direct support reaches every eligible citizen whose name appears on the beneficiary rolls of the various assistance programmes. He noted that, since last March, the Ministry has activated a full suite of electronic services as part of precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID‑19, enabling beneficiaries to communicate swiftly with social‑assistance specialists and receive prompt answers to their queries. Details of individual entitlements and payment schedules are readily accessible through the e‑Government portal Bahrain.bh, while further inquiries may be directed to the National Contact Centre on 80008001.
Cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and "IKEA Bahrain" to train 50 citizens on the job
11-09-2020
Assistant Under‑Secretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki, met with IKEA Bahrain’s Human Resources Manager, Ms. Hanadi Al Aali, to advance cooperation on the company’s initiative entitled “Making Bahrainis the Employer’s First Choice for Employment.” Under this programme, IKEA Bahrain will provide six months of on‑the‑job training to fifty Bahraini jobseekers who are registered with the Ministry. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with practical skills in marketing, customer service, catering, graphic design, interior design and other specialist disciplines, enhancing their employability across the retail and services sectors. Al Hayki affirmed that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objective of qualifying and training national talent so that Bahrainis become the preferred choice for employers, adding that the Ministry supports every opportunity that contributes to integrating national human resources into quality positions offered by private‑sector establishments. Ms. Al Aali expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s cooperation, noting that the programme will enable trainees to develop their professional skills and personal capabilities through structured workplace experience, thereby easing their transition into the labour market. She highlighted that IKEA Bahrain has already hired 350 Bahraini citizens—representing 67 per cent of its workforce—since commencing operations in the Kingdom, and reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for national talent.
MLSD Minister Meets Director of Financial Resources on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Ministry
11-09-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received the Director of Financial Resources, Mr. Mustafa Mohammed Al-Murbati, on the occasion of the conclusion of Mr. Al‑Murbati’s tenure at the Ministry. The meeting was attended by Shura Council member and former Under‑Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sabah Salem Al-Dossari, together with several officials and employees from the Financial Resources Directorate. Humaidan commended Mr. Al‑Murbati’s dedication and the valuable contributions he made throughout his service in the Financial Resources Directorate, wishing him continued success as he embarks on the next stage of his professional career in service of the Kingdom of Bahrain. In reply, Mr. Al‑Marbati expressed his sincere gratitude to Humaidan, to the senior management and to all Ministry staff for the support extended to him during his years of service, praising the spirit of cooperation he experienced from the moment he joined the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.
MLSD Minister discusses with MPs Al-Thawadi and Al-Maliki the plans of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to improve the employment rates of citizens in the private sector
06-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Members of the Council of Representatives, Mr. Abdullah Khalifa Al Thawadi and Mr. Basil Salman Al Malki, at the Ministry. The meeting reviewed the Ministry’s current plans and measures to raise employment rates among Bahraini job‑seekers, particularly in light of Cabinet‑endorsed initiatives governing flexible work permits and the mandatory publication of private‑sector vacancies in local newspapers. Humaidan outlined the positive employment indicators recorded to date and explored forthcoming development opportunities designed to align with jobseekers’ aspirations and integrate them across the labour market’s technical and professional tiers. Al Thawadi and Al Malki commended the Government’s clear vision for expanding citizens’ employment opportunities amid the exceptional global circumstances and their economic repercussions. They noted Bahrain’s ongoing economic recovery, which is generating new positions and equipping national talent—especially in non‑traditional, technology‑driven sectors—with the skills required to thrive. The MPs also praised the Ministry’s broad range of labour and development initiatives that serve all segments of Bahraini society.
Al-Dosari appreciates the royal trust by appointing him a member of the Shura Council
06-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Sabah Salem Al-Dosari conveyed his profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, for the precious royal trust manifested in his appointment to the esteemed Shura Council. Al-Dosari affirmed that this royal honour doubles his motivation to shoulder his national responsibilities and provides a greater incentive to exert every effort with honesty and sincerity in service of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty the King and his judicious Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. He underscored his unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution and the law, and to work alongside his fellow Council members in studying draft laws and proposed legislation, while maintaining constructive cooperation with the executive authority and the Council of Representatives for the good of the Kingdom and the achievement of comprehensive development. Mr. Al Dosari highlighted the pivotal role the legislative process plays in this prosperous era, noting that the Kingdom’s many accomplishments stem from His Majesty’s reform project, which seeks to advance further progress, development and prosperity for all citizens and residents of Bahrain.