News
11-06-2021
As part of the joint efforts between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Information & eGovernment Authority to launch the pilot project of the National Platform for Bahrain Experts, the Director of the Training and Workforce Development Department at the Ministry, Dr. Essam Ismail Al Alawi, National Platform for Bahrain Experts Initiative Executive Team Chairman (Experts Register) initiative—explained that the team, in preparation for launching the platform, held a series of bilateral meetings with stakeholders at the Information & eGovernment Authority to review the steps and procedures and to follow up on the technical progress of designing the platform’s interface. He confirmed that the technical implementation would be completed within two months, in accordance with the first phase of the plan, noting that the pilot launch is scheduled for next July. Al Alawi pointed out that the implementation of this initiative reflects the prevailing spirit of cooperation among government entities. He extended his appreciation to the Information & eGovernment Authority for its efforts, which contributed to the completion of this pioneering national project. He emphasised that this cooperation stems from the Authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting government institutions in advancing digital transformation, in line with the directives and aspirations of the wise Government. The initiative, which forms part of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Citizenship (Bahrainouna), aims to launch a comprehensive national platform that hosts a database of Bahraini experts and specialists across various disciplines, documenting their academic and professional backgrounds. This will facilitate the optimal use of national expertise and showcase their capabilities and best practices locally and internationally, positively reflecting Bahrain’s national human capital. Furthermore, highlighting these experts as role models will serve to inspire and motivate younger generations to pursue similar paths. Dr. Al Alawi noted that the platform will help unify the efforts of official and civil institutions by merging existing expert databases—such as those in the fields of engineering, health, real estate, economics, and others—while establishing suitable mechanisms for coordination among the various disciplines. This will enhance the ability of development sectors to effectively benefit from national expertise. The integrated expert register will also support the advancement of training, technical and scientific consultancy services, and strengthen Bahrainisation in strategic roles throughout the Kingdom. He further noted that the team conducted analytical studies of the sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, resulting in the selection of six sectors for inclusion in the platform’s first phase: the manufacturing industries sector, the engineering sector, the health sector, the real estate sector, the financial, insurance and banking sector, and the information and communications sector. He explained that these sectors were chosen as they are promising fields that attract human capital and represent the fastest-growing areas in the current and future phases. In this context, Al Alawi highlighted the positive cooperation shown by regulatory authorities across these six sectors. Entities including the Central Bank of Bahrain, the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Information & eGovernment Authority, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the The Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP), and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) responded promptly by holding a series of bilateral consultative meetings. These meetings addressed the mechanisms used to classify professionals in their respective sectors and provided overall feedback on the initiative and the accreditation requirements for experts listed on the platform. This constructive input has played a vital role in enhancing the platform and laying a solid foundation to help achieve its national objectives. For his part, Mr. Abdulla Habib, Director of Government Systems Development Directorate at the Information & eGovernment Authority, highlighted the Authority’s role in completing a comprehensive study of workflow procedures for the National Platform for Bahrain Experts. He confirmed that the platform is being developed in several phases in line with modern software standards and includes electronic integration with relevant entities. He explained that the platform will provide a range of services to experts, including facilities for submitting and updating their data, and systems for reviewing and approving applications. These features will ensure seamless and integrated services for beneficiaries. He expressed the Authority’s pride in being a strategic partner of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in this national endeavour, which will undoubtedly contribute to showcasing national expertise across local and international arenas.
10-06-2021
The Director of the Family and Childhood Development Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ms. Aisha Mohammed Al-Zayed, stated that the “Khatwa” programme for Home-Based Businesses attracted 254 home business owners since the directives issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, last March. The directives allow online sales practitioners to choose between voluntarily and freely joining the “Khatwa” programme of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and benefiting from its advantages, or enrolling in the “Sijili” programme of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Al-Zayed explained that projects registered under the “Khatwa” programme during the past three months—since the issuance of the royal directive—accounted for over 21% of the total number of registered projects since the programme’s inception. This reflects the strong interest from the target group and affirms the success of awareness efforts highlighting the programme’s benefits. She noted that the programme offers numerous advantages, including free legal cover under Resolution No. 39 of 2010 regarding the regulation of productive activities from home (productive houses), in coordination with relevant entities such as the Directorate of Civil Defense at Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, and the , depending on the nature of the product. Participants also receive a dedicated identification card and registration certificate for home-based work, access to advanced professional training and beginner-level courses, and the possibility of securing financing through the Family House for Microfinance (FMH). They may also benefit from the optional insurance scheme at the Social Insurance Organization, participate in local and international exhibitions and competitions organised by public and private entities, gain access to product marketing outlets, and renew their permits annually without any fees. In this context, Al-Zayed emphasised that Bahrain has witnessed a notable renaissance in entrepreneurship in recent years, with the rise of entrepreneurs and productive families demonstrating qualities that enable them to succeed in launching their projects. She stressed the need to organise and support such initiatives, which represent a positive turning point for national economic and social projects. She noted that the “Khatwa” programme was specifically designed to serve business owners and individuals interested in home-based work, helping them develop ideas, launch private initiatives, and create valuable employment opportunities.
08-06-2021
The Kingdom of Bahrain, through its pioneering and diverse experiences, has achieved remarkable successes at various levels and throughout different periods, particularly in times of crisis. Most notably, the Kingdom demonstrated exceptional competence in responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This success, in its various dimensions, was achieved thanks to the noble and sound directives and wise humanitarian decisions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and to the advanced, well-considered, and effective executive plans and unlimited support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, who continues to lead Team Bahrain and the medical team with outstanding ability and dedication throughout more than sixteen months of tireless effort, commitment, and achievement. His Royal Highness continues to closely follow all matters relating to the health, economic, social, and humanitarian affairs of citizens and residents, devoting the majority of his time to monitoring developments in the management of the epidemic, exploring effective solutions, drawing on the insights of international organisations and experts, and periodically reviewing decisions in line with changing circumstances—consistently placing the public interest at the forefront and allocating resources as needed to preserve the health and safety of all those living in this generous nation. The recent affirmations by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect and preserve him, on the importance of solidarity during this global crisis, and his reassurance to citizens and residents that the Kingdom of Bahrain, with God’s will and through collective cooperation, will emerge safely from the pandemic, have served as a source of comfort and noble royal encouragement to all segments of Bahraini society. His Majesty’s continued support for Team Bahrain, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, affirms his confidence in national efforts to overcome the pandemic. These efforts have been embodied in the dedication and sacrifice of team members who have worked persistently to safeguard public health and safety amid the extraordinary challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has become a beacon of hope and a clear reflection of Bahrain’s ability to rise to challenges—a testament to the sincere faith in the strength, unity, and determination of the people of Bahrain. As a modest contribution to documenting this pioneering experience, we outline some of the key initiatives the Kingdom of Bahrain implemented to combat the Coronavirus pandemic, across the following dimensions: health, economic, and social. Firstly: Health Dimension The National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus, comprising distinguished medical leaders with extensive knowledge and experience, has addressed multiple challenges while placing the health and safety of all individuals as a top priority. This has included conducting free daily tests—recently exceeding 20,000 per day—and bringing the total number of tests since the onset of the pandemic to over 4.6 million. These efforts have focused on early detection of cases and contacts. Moreover, the Kingdom ensured the timely provision of internationally approved vaccines upon their release to global markets and authorisation by the World Health Organization, thereby reinforcing its efforts to control and prevent the spread of the virus. Bahrain also provided the required medication, quarantine and isolation centres, and comprehensive preventive measures, grounded in complete transparency, a strong emphasis on public awareness, and a shared responsibility approach to ensure no complacency undermines the progress made. This strategy has reassured citizens and residents that a vigilant system is in place to safeguard their health and well-being. All thanks and appreciation are due to the medical team, whose commitment and sacrifices have been instrumental in achieving these noble goals, which the people of Bahrain will not forget. Secondly: Economic Dimension By an unprecedented decision issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, a financial and economic package exceeding 4.5 billion Bahraini dinars was launched to safeguard the nation and its citizens from the adverse consequences of the pandemic-related precautionary measures on individuals and institutions. This initiative profoundly impacted economic growth and enabled the private sector to overcome the crisis while maintaining stability in national employment. This was achieved by injecting financial liquidity to alleviate the burdens and obligations shouldered by employers, and by creating conditions that enabled the private sector to continue operating as competitively as possible and to fulfil its responsibilities in sustaining the momentum of the national economy. As a result, the Kingdom preserved its international credit rating and maintained the strength of the Bahraini dinar exchange rate, unlike many other currencies globally. This performance positioned Bahrain at the top of Gulf and Arab countries as the best destination for expatriates during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the 2021 survey conducted by “InterNations”, which canvassed the views of expatriates living and working abroad. Several measures contributed to achieving this economic stability, most notably: - Paying the wages of more than 100,000 insured Bahraini workers in the private sector for three months (April, May, and June), extended for an additional three months (July, August, and September), at a rate of 50% for Bahrainis in the affected sectors. This support continued until the end of 2020 for the most severely impacted sectors. Additionally, two support portfolios were allocated for taxi drivers, public transport drivers, bus and coach operators, and the salaries of female employees in kindergartens and nurseries were covered. Support measures remain ongoing for the most affected sectors, in line with evolving developments. - Support measures are still ongoing for the most affected sectors in accordance with the developments imposed by the measures to combat the pandemic . - Finding immediate jobs for Bahrainis who lose their jobs, noting that the layoff rate in 2020 was 9% lower than the layoff rate in 2019 . - Providing liquidity to ensure business continuity for licensed and registered commercial establishments through the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) programme. - Doubling the liquidity fund from 100 million to 200 million Bahraini dinars to support private sector enterprises. - Suspending monthly Labour fees and fees for issuing and renewing work permits for three months from 1 April 2020, followed by a 50% fee reduction for a further three months from 1 July 2020, and full fee exemptions for the most affected sectors for another three months. - Continued monitoring of the Labour market to ensure employers’ compliance with the Private Sector Labour Law, particularly wage payments and the resolution of Labour disputes, to maintain the stability of national talent in their roles. - Instruct banks to defer loan instalment deductions for six months (April to September 2020) without interest, and encourage banks to extend loan deferrals to year-end and, later, until August 2021 for those who requested, at nominal charges. Banks responded appreciatively to these directives, easing financial burdens for citizens. - Launching the National Employment Program 2.0, which includes a series of initiatives—most notably, a budget of 120 million dinars for employment and training support, tighter regulation of professions to prevent violations by foreign workers, and extending vacancy announcements in newspapers from two to three weeks. The programme aims to employ 25,000 Bahrainis and provide 10,000 training opportunities in 2021, with wage support of 70% for up to three years. Third: Human and Social Dimension The Kingdom of Bahrain has distinguished itself in the humanitarian and social spheres with competence and merit. Numerous decisions have been taken to protect citizens, ensure a secure and stable living environment, and uphold social and economic protections—while simultaneously continuing development programmes for the benefit of citizens and residents. The most prominent of these decisions are: - Continuing timely disbursement of social assistance to vulnerable groups, including financial support such as the cost-of-living allowance, social security, disability allowance, compensation for lifting meat subsidies, housing (rent) allowances, and living allowances for retirees—at an annual cost exceeding 435 million dinars. - Launching the "Feena Khair" (There is Good in Us) campaign, under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF). The initiative mobilised 17.43 million dinars to assist vulnerable groups, including productive families, uninsured business owners, and contract workers. Projects included distributing 10,000 computers to students, food baskets under the “Your Food at Home” project, meal distributions during Ramadan, the establishment of an epidemic treatment centre, support for distance learning and digital platforms, and debt settlement via the Ministry of Interior’s “Fael Khair” application. - Continuing the Cabinet’s decision to double social security and disability allowances during Ramadan in 2020 and 2021. - Covering electricity and water bills for all residential and commercial subscribers for nine months (April to December 2020), including foreign residents and expatriate workers for the initial three-month period. - Supporting job stability by preserving employment levels and ensuring priority for Bahraini citizens under the National Employment Program. - Providing essential services to residents without discrimination, including - Free treatment at health centres, free COVID-19 testing and vaccines, and access to a wide range of services safeguarding their health and wellbeing. - Launching the "Together for Bahrain’s Safety" campaign by the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. The campaign focused on alleviating the financial burdens of female debtors during the pandemic. - Thousands of volunteers—citizens and residents alike—actively supported health, security, and civil defence teams by disinfecting public spaces and distributing essential supplies. - The Royal Humanitarian Foundation distributed His Majesty the King’s grant to 1,000 families registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and supported more than 500 micro-entrepreneurs associated with the Family House and the Ministry. - The Ministry of Labour and Social Development continued providing care and shelter services for children (including those of unknown parentage, orphans, and children from broken families), persons with severe disabilities, and the elderly, while enforcing strict preventive health protocols at all its Centres in coordination with the Ministry of Health. In summary, despite the extensive range of decisions and actions taken across the health, economic, social, and humanitarian dimensions—of which the above are but a glimpse—the defining feature of Bahrain’s response has been its people's unity, resilience, and solidarity. The Kingdom has ensured that no person living on its soil, whether citizen or resident, was left to face hardship alone. Bahrain’s commitment to this principle is rooted in its humanitarian ethos and unwavering belief in human dignity. May God protect the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership, and its people from all harm.
05-06-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, stressed the importance of intensifying national efforts under the current circumstances to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by enhancing preventive and precautionary measures in workplaces. This is essential to ensure the protection and safety of workers by adhering to all health directives and avoiding complacency during this exceptional period. He affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to promoting a safe and healthy work environment, free from occupational hazards and communicable diseases, in line with the precautionary measures issued by the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Ministry of Health. In a statement, Humaidan called upon employers in private sector establishments to maintain productivity levels while implementing all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus among workers and within their accommodation. He explained that this could be achieved through administrative measures such as limiting gatherings in confined areas, observing safe distancing, applying social distancing standards, and ensuring workers' protection by providing temperature screening devices, placing sanitisation equipment in prominent locations at workplaces and entrances, preventing overcrowding at work sites and in transportation vehicles, and taking other measures that help mitigate the spread of the virus. In this context, Humaidan emphasised that today’s challenges must be transformed into opportunities to strengthen workplace safety, develop organisational procedures, and establish effective administrative systems for managing occupational risks. He underlined the importance of transferring successful practices in addressing health risks and occupational hazards, noting that many leading international companies in the field of occupational safety and health have adapted their systems in response to the evolving global health landscape. Humaidan noted that, as part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s efforts to ensure that private sector establishments comply with preventive measures aimed at combating the pandemic and preserving workers’ health and safety, the Ministry conducted 14,176 inspection visits to work sites across various governorates in the Kingdom of Bahrain from the beginning of the pandemic until May 2021. At the conclusion of his statement, Humaidan stressed that the three parties of production—the Government, workers, and employers—share a national responsibility that requires enhanced cooperation to ensure the safety of workers and society as a whole. He called for the activation of all occupational health and safety systems to protect workers, who represent a fundamental pillar in the development and growth process. In this context, he praised workers' unwavering commitment, solidarity with employers as social partners, and continued contributions to advancing economic development.
02-06-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Hekma Retired Society, Dr. Saeed Abbas Al-Sammak, in the presence of a number of members of the Society’s Board of Directors. The meeting discussed initiatives and programmes to enhance retirees' status in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, Dr. Al-Sammak reviewed the Society’s most prominent programmes and activities in the field of retirees’ welfare, along with areas of cooperation with governmental, private, and civil institutions relevant to the Society’s objectives. This comes within the framework of implementing initiatives and services targeting the retiree segment, the latest of which is the project to launch an electronic platform providing social, educational, and health services to all members of the Society. He noted, in this context, the Society’s commitment to investing in the experience and skills acquired by retirees during their years of national service, and he praised the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and its continued commitment to strengthening development services in the fields of Labour and social protection. Humaidan expressed his appreciation for the Society’s efforts to support retirees’ affairs and his pride in their dedication to serving the community. He highlighted the social initiatives launched by the Society for its members and its efforts to utilise their unique life experiences and encourage them to continue contributing to national service and development. He stressed the importance of community partnership in achieving more qualitative accomplishments, and, in this context, he noted the positive role played by civil society institutions in supporting government efforts to enhance sustainable development programmes in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
29-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, chaired the second Board of Directors meeting for the current year 2021, via video conferencing technology, in the presence of the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Dr.Khalid Abdulla Ateeq, and members of the Family House Board of Directors. The meeting reviewed several topics, including approving the bank’s annual budget and approving and ratifying the financial statements for the first quarter of the current year. The members also reviewed the bank’s operational results during the current COVID-19 pandemic and future work plans, which included enhancing the bank’s contribution to the national economy based on its expertise in supporting entrepreneurs and productive families. The bank achieved operating profits of 79,128 thousand Bahraini dinars. The Board of Directors approved the Family House policies to strengthen its local standing as a pioneer in best development practices and boost the incomes of hundreds of low-income individuals and families, senior citizens, homemakers, and job seekers. This will be achieved by financing their development ideas and projects, offering consultations, assisting them in advancing their businesses, providing marketing plans, and training them in basic business management skills. On this occasion, Humaidan commended the efforts made over the past period, particularly in light of the exceptional circumstances the world is witnessing. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the highest standards of corporate governance, which have achieved significant progress in the microfinance industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to achieving the right and appropriate balance to enhance the level and quality of services provided to clients. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development emphasised that the Family Microfinance House’s adoption of a proactive approach to advancing developmental businesses has contributed positively to creating more job opportunities for citizens, in addition to strengthening the contribution of productive families and entrepreneurs who benefit from financial services in the national economic cycle through their productive economic endeavours that meet the needs of the local consumer market, through which they have written distinctive model success stories.
28-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, delegated Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Mohammad Al Hayki, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, to attend a tripartite meeting on Bahrain’s construction sector. Hosted by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, in the presence of its Secretary-General, Mr. Abdulqader Abdulkarim Al Shehabi, the event focused on safeguarding workers’ rights based on a study conducted by the Federation, in cooperation with the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers and the International Labour Organization. Experts and stakeholders from relevant local, regional, and international bodies participated in the meeting, which took place yesterday (Wednesday). During his participation, Al Hayki addressed the facilities provided by the esteemed government to workers in the construction sector during the novel coronavirus pandemic, stressing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to relevant agreements that preserve workers’ rights and safety at work sites. In this context, he pointed out a number of efforts, including initiatives and measures to mitigate the repercussions of COVID-19 on the business sector and ensure workers’ job stability. The government has allocated part of the financial package to support the wages and stability of national workers in the private sector, in addition to suspending work fees for three months, giving a grace period for all foreign workers to adjust their status, and transferring 10% of workers from their residential sites to other residential sites, and using alternative headquarters as workers’ housing to reduce the crowding of workers at their residential sites to prevent the spread of the disease, in conjunction with activating inspections of workers’ housing. Al Hayki stressed that the Ministry has taken the initiative since the beginning of the aforementioned exceptional circumstances, holding meetings with representatives of foreign embassies and informing them of the procedures to confront the emerging disease and directing them to inform their communities of the necessity of following health instructions, providing isolation rooms for workers’ residences, coordinating with occupational safety officials in companies and providing publications in all languages, implementing awareness campaigns for workers in their residences, issuing an administrative circular to employers and workers at worksites and workers’ residences, reducing the number of workers in transportation to and from their workplaces, providing special quarantines for infected expatriate workers, in addition to implementing a work-from-home policy for those who can perform their duties remotely, among other measures that have been and remain in place with the aim of ensuring the safety of workers and society alike.
28-05-2021
Within the framework of co-operation and co-ordination between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the King Fahd Causeway Authority, a joint meeting was held remotely, bringing together representatives from the Ministry, the Information & eGovernment Authority, and the King Fahd Causeway Authority via video call, to review the King Fahd Causeway’s preparations to issue the special lane card for Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination) and the associated facilities by adopting the new disability card integrated with the updated ID card details. The meeting was attended by the Acting Rehabilitation Welfare Director, Head of the Special Needs Services Department at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mrs. Jalila Al Sayed Salman Shuber, together with the Director of the Government Systems Development Directorate at the Information & eGovernment Authority, Mr. Abdulla Habib, and from the Saudi side at the King Fahd Causeway Authority, Mr. Mohammed Obaid from the Corporate Communications Management at the Authority, as well several specialists from all parties. During the meeting, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s system for integrating disability cards with the Bahraini national identity was thoroughly discussed, and the bridge reception system for individuals in the aforementioned category and the requirements needed to issue the special discount card and the designated path were also addressed. This included establishing an alternative integrated mechanism in light of the data integration for people with disabilities until the updated card is approved in the Authority’s system. Mrs. Jalila Al Sayed noted the efforts of those in charge of King Fahd Causeway to overcome difficulties for travellers with determination through the facilities it provides for holders of disability cards, noting that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in the context of keeping pace with developments and modern technologies to enhance service, recently, in co-operation with the Information & eGovernment Authority, integrated the data of people with disabilities into the identity card without the need for a special card proving that the individual is disabled. In turn, Mr. Obaid affirmed the King Fahd Causeway Authority’s efforts to introduce modern technologies to overcome the obstacles facing travellers with disabilities, highlighting the importance of continuous coordination with the relevant authorities in Bahrain in everything that would serve all travellers. For his part, Habib highlighted the new ID card’s security features and technical advantages, emphasising the Information & eGovernment Authority’s support for joint efforts to serve everyone, particularly those with special needs, and facilitate their crossing of the King Fahd Causeway.
27-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with the President of the Bahrain Bankers Syndicate, Mrs Noura Mohamed Al-Faihani, in his office at the Ministry, where they discussed the conditions of national workers in the banking sector, and the existing co-operation between the Syndicate and the boards of directors of banks, which helps attract more Bahraini cadres to fill vacancies in this vital sector. In this context, Mr Humaidan affirmed that the banking and financial sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to witness rapid growth in light of the esteemed Government’s interest in developing the sector and streamlining procedures to attract investments that generate quality jobs for citizens, noting that the sector is full of qualified national cadres capable of managing various banking and financial institutions. He further emphasised that reliance on the Bahraini element enhances the sector’s efficiency, increases competitiveness, and attracts more international banks to work in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He underscored the importance of strengthening ongoing coordination and cooperation between the Syndicate and the management of banking institutions to develop banking operations in the country. For her part, Mrs Al-Faihani commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for union activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasising that the growth of banking institutions contributes to creating more job opportunities for citizens. She lauded the efficiency and professional discipline of Bahrainis in their respective fields, reaffirming the union’s support for enhancing training opportunities for citizens in the financial and banking sector to develop additional national competencies and make them the best choice upon recruitment, which is what the union seeks within the framework of performing its role in supporting plans to integrate the Bahraini element into specialised jobs and professions while improving productivity in financial and banking institutions.
26-05-2021
Based on the decisions announced by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), following its presentation to and approval by the Coordination Committee, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has announced the suspension of physical attendance and the adoption of distance learning across all rehabilitation centres, nurseries, and training centres and institutes licensed by the Ministry — with the exception of attendance for international examinations — during the period from midnight on Thursday, 27 May 2021, until midnight on Thursday, 10 June 2021. In accordance with this decision, a 70% work-from-home policy will be implemented for members of the administrative, educational, and technical bodies in these institutions. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development stressed the importance of adhering to all decisions issued under these exceptional circumstances, and the need for members of the administrative, educational, and technical bodies to continue implementing all precautionary measures and instructions previously issued by the National Taskforce — including ongoing workplace sanitisation, the enforcement of social distancing, and other necessary measures to ensure protection and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These steps are vital to maintaining a healthy work environment and safeguarding the health and safety of all.
26-05-2021
The Director of the Department of Vocational Institutes Affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Miftah, stated that, within the framework of the Ministry’s commitment to monitoring and enhancing the quality of private training institutes and centres, and advancing their performance, a survey was conducted covering all licensed training institutions under the Ministry’s supervision. The objective was to assess the extent of their impact resulting from the exceptional circumstances currently facing both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the wider world due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as to evaluate their initiatives and efforts to sustain training operations and human resources development. Mr. Miftah noted that the study covered 95 training institutions, with the objective of reviewing the digital learning procedures adopted during the past period, assessing the extent to which training environments have adapted to this mode of learning and its suitability to the nature of the training provided. It also aimed to identify the challenges faced by institutions and the means to overcome them, and to determine the extent to which the financial support packages provided by the esteemed Government to private sector establishments have contributed to reducing the adverse effects of the pandemic on the Kingdom’s training sector. The study indicated that 82% of participants benefited from the Government support provided to training centres and institutes, which played a significant role in mitigating the impact. It further revealed that 82% of training institutions transitioned to virtual training following the suspension of in-person training, utilising a variety of electronic training platforms and tools. Administrative programmes accounted for 37% of those offered remotely, followed by information technology programmes at 23%, and language at 20%, with the remaining percentage distributed among other fields, including engineering, occupational health and safety, travel and tourism, and medical training programmes. A majority of training institutions, constituting 55% of participants, specified a set number of trainees per remote training programme, while only 7% of institutions enrolled more than 15 trainees per programme. The percentage of training institutions adhering to virtual training standards reached 87%. Additionally, 64% of participating centres and institutes confirmed that their trainees did not encounter obstacles or require prior training to use virtual platforms and applications. Meanwhile, 57% of institutions reported that their trainers and instructors required intensive training on how to utilise these platforms effectively to deliver training content. As for the preferred training system in the coming phase, 49% of participants anticipated adopting a blended approach, combining classroom and virtual training in equal measure to fulfil the objectives of the training process. In comparison, 18% of institutions expressed the need to further enhance virtual training during the next phase.
24-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, announced that the Ministry has completed the transfer of all its electronic systems to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing network in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as part of the implementation of the esteemed Government’s directives to expand the adoption of advanced technologies, as issued by the Supreme Committee for Information Technology and Communication (SCICT), chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, in accordance with the “Cloud First” strategy. By virtue of this transition, which aligns with the latest developments in computer systems technology, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s cloud computing systems will now operate with greater efficiency to deliver services to beneficiaries in a seamless manner. The cloud environment enables enhanced flexibility in providing services remotely, promptly, and with high efficiency, allowing easy access to information from any location where the network is available. It also increases the Ministry’s capacity for performance monitoring, evaluation, and service development through integrated electronic performance indicators, which support the identification of development opportunities and offer insight into the current and future status of all sectors under the Ministry’s supervision. Humaidan explained that the migration process was carried out under the supervision of the Information and eGovernment Authority, to ensure its implementation in accordance with the necessary cybersecurity and technical controls. He noted that housing all information and systems relevant to the Ministry’s operations on the cloud would help ensure data confidentiality and prevent information loss, through robust protection measures and continuous updates. The move is also expected to reduce costs associated with servers, storage, and operations, while conserving human resources to enable the provision of additional services and support the development and round-the-clock availability of existing services. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development emphasised that hosting the Ministry’s data on this advanced computing platform will strengthen the integrated relationship between government entities, as the Ministry serves as a primary and reliable source for several governmental and international bodies. Accordingly, the process of information transfer can now be carried out more rapidly and with a higher degree of precision and security.
23-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society President, Mrs. Ahlam Yousef Janahi, in his office. Mrs. Janahi presented His Excellency with a copy of the Society’s publication, 20 Years of Success, which documents — with photographs — the most important economic and social activities and events organised and attended by the Society since its founding in 2000 Humaidan praised the role played by the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society in supporting and empowering women economically and socially, and in embracing pioneering Bahraini women, particularly owners of small and medium-sized enterprises. He stressed that the support extended to women by the esteemed Government, along with the efforts of professional and civil societies, has enhanced their participation in economic development, making them key partners in decision-making and driving the wheels of production and economic progress in the Kingdom. For her part, Mrs. Janahi praised the ongoing cooperation between the society and the Ministry, affirming the commitment of Bahraini businesswomen to attracting national talent from among female graduates, driven by their confidence in women’s capabilities and their proven excellence in the workplace. She also commended the Ministry’s programmes aimed at rehabilitating female jobseekers across various professional fields, taking their circumstances into account, while launching targeted initiatives and offering supportive incentives to ease their integration into productive roles within private sector establishments.
With the participation of the Minister of Labor and Social Development.. The first meeting of the founding members of the Arab Rotary Club in Bahrain was held online
21-05-2021
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, participated in the first meeting of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain (RCSB), via videoconference. The Rotary Club is considered the first Arabic-speaking Rotary club in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by the club’s adviser, Dr Dhafer Ahmed Al Omran, the governor of Rotary District (2452), Mr Shawkat Tadros, and the club’s president, Mr Osama Mohammed Moeen, along with several current and former presidents and members of Rotary Clubs of Bahrain. The meeting reviewed the most prominent activities and programmes of the Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain, which it intends to implement in cooperation with relevant authorities to serve the Bahraini community in the social and cultural fields. The club is the fourth in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and belongs to the (2452) District, which includes 9 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. On this occasion, Humaidan commended the idea of establishing the first Arabic-speaking club in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the contributions and initiatives of Rotary International in development and charitable fields, based on the principles of community and humanitarian partnership. He noted the role of Rotary International, which began in Bahrain in the 1960s. He also affirmed the Ministry's continued support for all civil society institutions and their social initiatives, in accordance with the legal provisions and procedures for NGOs in the country, contributing to highlighting Bahrain's civilised image by strengthening community efforts. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development emphasised the importance of charitable, social, and humanitarian work in such exceptional circumstances due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which underscores the need to highlight the spirit of cooperation and joint action among all, from official institutions to civil society organisations, to protect society and ensure the safety of all. For their part, the participants in the virtual meeting praised the prominent role played by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in supporting the idea of establishing the Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain (RCSB), strengthening the efforts of civil society organisations, and its keenness to provide support to civil society organisations under its umbrella. They emphasised the role of Rotary clubs and the Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain and their readiness to serve the Bahraini community and enhance means of joint cooperation to benefit all individuals and segments of society, within the framework of fulfilling the charitable mission of Rotary clubs.
18-05-2021
As part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s keenness to support the efforts of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, organised a visit to the Muharraq Social Welfare Centre, during which all elderly citizens affiliated with the Centre and the National Bank of Bahrain Home for the Elderly were vaccinated against the Coronavirus. The Director of the Social Care Department at the Ministry, Ms. Huda Mohammed Al-Hamoud, expressed her appreciation to the National Medical Taskforce and the front-line workers at the Ministry of Health, commending the efforts of the Ministry’s mobile units in vaccinating the elderly as part of the national vaccination campaign to combat the virus. She highlighted the ease with which the service was provided, which reflects the principle of social responsibility and the esteemed Government’s commitment to prioritising the health protection of elderly citizens and ensuring their immunity. She also emphasised the importance of collective efforts to safeguard public health and reinforce societal solidarity in confronting the pandemic. During the vaccination process, the medical team monitored the health conditions of the elderly citizens after receiving the vaccine, affirming that the initiative demonstrates ongoing care for this group affiliated with the Muharraq Social Welfare Centre and the National Bank of Bahrain Home for the Elderly, and ensures the continued provision of the necessary care, protection, and preventive healthcare services.
n the context of raising awareness to confront (Covid-19), the Ministry of Labor and Social Development is following up on establishments to implement the highest standards of occupational health and
13-05-2021
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development organised a remote meeting with several employers, workers, trade union organisations, and representatives of civil society institutions concerned with migrant workers’ affairs. The meeting was held via videoconference, with the participation of the Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry, Mr Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki. The meeting reviewed safe and healthy practices to prevent the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the precautionary and preventive efforts and measures of establishments operating in the private sector to prevent the spread of this virus in workers’ sites and housing. The meeting also reviewed the successful and distinguished experiences of some establishments that have proven their effectiveness in limiting its spread among workers. This meeting comes as part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development's efforts and its supervision of the implementation of precautionary measures and preventive measures by private sector establishments to prevent the spread of this pandemic. In this context, the Ministry is organising a series of virtual meetings in cooperation with private sector institutions and companies, trade unions, and civil society organisations. The aim is to enhance awareness among employers and workers of the importance of adhering to the administrative circular issued by His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development regarding combating and preventing the spread of this disease in workplaces and workers' housing, which was implemented as of 13 April 2020. This is to ensure the health and safety of everyone, especially workers in establishments and the public dealing with them. In a statement on this occasion, Al Hayki stressed the importance the Ministry attaches to all private sector institutions’ measures to protect workers at workplaces and residences, and the technical consultations provided to all workers and employers to implement the necessary safe practices to limit the spread of the Coronavirus among members of society. He reviewed the steps taken by the Ministry to maintain the safety and health of workers, whether at workplaces or at their residences, stressing that such direct remote meetings contribute to strengthening the concept and culture of preventive awareness of the safety and health of workers at workplaces. He called on establishments to adhere to the highest safe and healthy practices and apply the highest standards in workplaces until this stage is passed. For their part, the participants commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development's continued intensification of its initiatives, noting their importance in providing an update on the latest developments related to the implementation of safe and healthy practices at workplaces and collective housing for expatriate workers, and listening to proposals for developing occupational safety procedures that would help limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) among workers and ensure the health and safety of all.
11-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, emphasised the role of private training institutes and centres in supplying the labour market with qualified national cadres by focusing on the quality of training outcomes and selecting programmes aligned with the requirements of employers in the Kingdom of Bahrain — particularly in light of the rapid emergence of new job patterns that demand professional skills in step with evolving market needs. This came during a meeting between Humaidan, His Excellency MP Abdulnabi Salman, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, and His Excellency MP Dr. Hisham Ahmed Al Ashiri, in the presence of several owners of private training centres and institutes, held on Tuesday at the Ministry. The meeting addressed recent developments in the private training system in Bahrain, as well as ways to ensure the growth and advancement of the vocational training sector in a manner that enhances the efficiency of training institutions and reinforces the Kingdom’s leading position as a regional hub for training and human resources development. In this context, Humaidan stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of training to bridge the skills gap between educational outcomes and labour market needs. He underlined that the criteria for success in this area lie in enhancing the training environment — whether through the availability of advanced facilities or specialised professional programmes that develop individual capabilities and align with the actual needs of national cadres in the labour market. He further noted that the Council of Representatives’ engagement with the training sector supports the success of efforts to elevate Bahrain’s training system. For his part, the First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives underscored the importance of joint cooperation, enabling private training institutes and centres to play their vital role in developing national human resources to be qualified and competitive in the labour market, thereby ensuring their prioritisation in recruitment. He highlighted that training has become an investment sector requiring procedural facilitation, without compromising the quality of the training environment. He called for enhanced collaboration among the relevant national bodies to improve the state of vocational training that reflects Bahrain’s progress in preparing qualified professionals with the skills necessary to lead in various productive sectors.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development confirms: Collecting Zakat Al-Fitr electronically
11-05-2021
Based on the recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to preserve the health and safety of everyone during the month of Ramadan, and the decisions of Her Excellency the Minister of Health regarding precautionary measures in this respect, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development issued a circular to all civil society organisations reminding them of the need to adhere to the announced preventive measures in this regard during the holy month, most notably the electronic application to collect Zakat al-Fitr, in order to preserve the safety and health of everyone. Mrs Najwa Abdullatif Janahi, Director of the Directorate of Non-governmental Organisations Support at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, explained that the Ministry has sent emails to all civil society organisations under its supervision, stressing the need to adhere to all precautionary measures to combat the Coronavirus. These measures include completing transactions remotely, using electronic platforms and applications to collect Zakat al‑Fitr this year instead of the kiosks that are set up annually during the month of Ramadan. The Ministry also commits not to setting up Iftar tables in public places, as well as ensuring that Iftar meals are not distributed on the streets, in light of these exceptional circumstances. In this context, Janahi stressed the need for all civil society organisations to cooperate in implementing preventive measures and procedures and complying with decisions issued by relevant authorities to combat the virus, in order to protect citizens and residents and preserve their health and safety during the holy month of Ramadan.
09-05-2021
On Sunday morning, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) to license quality training institutions in the health sector. The agreement was signed by His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Regulatory Authority, Dr. Mariam Adhbi Al-Jalahma, in His Excellency’s office, in the presence of several officials from both the Ministry and the Authority. The Memorandum of Understanding aims to integrate and advance the vocational training system in the health sector by enabling investors to license specialised training institutions in the same field that offer professional qualifications contributing to the development of healthcare workers’ skills. It also provides an opportunity for job seekers to acquire advanced training that facilitates access to promising employment opportunities in the health sector. The Memorandum stipulates that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development shall receive and review investors’ applications to establish private training institutions in the health field, after consulting the technical opinion of the National Health Regulatory Authority regarding the licensing process. This coordination aims to ensure integration, validate the type and credibility of the qualifications offered, and assess the suitability of training locations for practical application in a manner that achieves the intended objectives. On this occasion, Humaidan stressed the importance of fostering optimal investment in Bahraini human capital by creating an environment conducive to private sector investment in healthcare, and encouraging the training of qualified personnel to integrate them into specialised roles in the labour market. He highlighted the need to equip them with the technical and technological skills required to make Bahrainis the preferred choice for employment across establishments. He affirmed that signing the Memorandum will enhance investment opportunities in specialised vocational training and consolidate Bahrain’s position as a regional centre for training across various occupational sectors. For her part, Dr. Al-Jalahma affirmed that the Memorandum will support training initiatives and encourage the establishment of further specialised training centres in the health services sector. She noted the presence of many capable national human resources that the Authority aims to employ in various health professions. She also underscored the importance of supporting this direction by attracting investment into the sector, creating promising opportunities for investors through the establishment of training institutes and centres in health support services, which in turn provide appropriate employment opportunities for citizens. The signing of this Memorandum represents the culmination of the efforts of the Licensing Committee for the Establishment of Vocational Training Institutions in the Health Sector, which comprises all relevant entities — namely the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), the Education & Training Quality Authority, the College of Health Sciences, and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). Together, these entities have developed the frameworks and standards governing the licensing of vocational training institutions in the health sector, including criteria for accrediting training locations and programmes, the administrative and training bodies, and other regulatory procedures that contribute to organising the licensing process in accordance with precise standards.
06-05-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with His Excellency MP Dr. Hisham Ahmed Al Ashiri, in the presence of several heads and officials of civil society organisations, at his office on Thursday. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, including identifying the requirements and needs of charitable and voluntary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to enhance its activity and effectiveness in serving all segments and categories of society. In this context, Humaidan emphasised the importance of advancing volunteerism and performing it professionally to fulfil its noble humanitarian goals. He expressed appreciation for civil society organisations' role in promoting tolerance and cooperation and encouraging young people to engage in this field, which represents fertile ground for community service and reflects the national spirit. The Minister reaffirmed the continued support for these organisations to enable them to fulfil their humanitarian and national duties to the fullest extent. For his part, Dr. Al-Ashiri and the representatives of the associations commended the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in advancing development work. They affirmed that the support services provided by the Ministry to civil society organisations have significantly contributed to the success of their charitable programmes and activities, thereby facilitating the delivery of services to various segments of society and low-income families with greater ease and efficiency.