Ministry of Labor and Social Development begins the registration of job seekers in the National Employment Program

26-02-2020

In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them, His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, called on job seekers who are not registered on the Ministry’s list to register in the National Employment Programme and benefit from unemployment insurance, as well as the training and job opportunities available in the Ministry’s vacancy bank, with a view to integrating them into private‑sector institutions in the labour market. This came during a tour conducted today, Tuesday, at the Ministry’s Employment Services Office to review registration procedures and the facilities provided to job seekers. His Excellency also met clients and listened to their observations concerning the employment and rehabilitation services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Humaidan noted that previously registered job seekers will be enrolled automatically in the National Employment Programme, provided they report to the Ministry within the specified deadlines. He expressed his hope that the efforts of the governmental and non‑governmental sectors will combine to ensure the success of this vital programme, which complements the employment initiatives and projects implemented by the Ministry. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has begun receiving applications for registration in the National Employment Programme at its headquarters in Isa Town for job seekers who are not yet registered. In this context, the Ministry reaffirms its invitation to those who meet the necessary conditions: being of legal working age; unemployed; not a student, retired, or holder of a commercial register; and willing to commit to periodic reviews and accept job and training opportunities offered by the Ministry. The Ministry clarified that the required attachments for registration are: a clear copy of the smart card (both sides) along with the original; one personal photo; the original academic qualifications and certificates with a copy; a certified equivalency statement from the Ministry of Education if the certificate is from a private university or issued outside Bahrain; a copy of the driving licence, if available; copies of training‑course and experience certificates, if any; a CV in English including a recent personal photo; proof of bank account number and IBAN; and a copy of medical reports in the event of health or chronic problems. It is worth noting that the National Employment Programme comprises an integrated plan to enhance the pace of citizen employment and absorb new graduates into the labour market, securing numerous advantages for job seekers. It is based on four main initiatives: 1. Launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to register citizens seeking job opportunities, according to registration mechanisms and procedures that complement and enhance the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s ongoing efforts. 2. Increasing unemployment benefit from 150 to 200 dinars for university graduates and from 120 to 150 dinars for non university graduates, and extending the benefit period to nine months instead of six; in addition, raising the maximum compensation for those dismissed or laid off to 1,000 dinars instead of 500. 3. Raising the fees for permits under the optional parallel system for establishments that have not achieved the imposed Bahrainisation rates from 300 to 500 dinars, and increasing the fees for flexible labour permits for foreigners from 200 to 500 dinars, in addition to a monthly fee of 30 dinars. 4. Redesigning the Tamkeen Labour Fund’s training and wage support programme to ensure greater alignment with labour market requirements.