News
10-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met today, Thursday, in his office with the President of the Galali Fishermen’s Association, Mr. Mohammad Jassim Al Dakhil. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the situation of Bahraini fishermen affected by Qatari policies that have disrupted their livelihoods. In this context, both parties praised the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to support fishermen, provide compensation, and assist them in addressing their challenges. This initiative reflects His Majesty’s steadfast approach to safeguarding the welfare and interests of his loyal citizens. The programmes implemented by the Association and its contribution to advancing the marine fishing profession were also reviewed, alongside the roles of government entities and civil society organisations in preserving this traditional occupation, which remains a principal source of income for many Bahraini families. The meeting further addressed joint efforts to protect it as an inherited craft passed down through generations in the Kingdom of Bahrain In this context, Humaidan commended the efforts of the Galali Fishermen’s Association in meeting the aspirations of those engaged in the marine fishing sector, affirming the Ministry’s support for all endeavours aimed at preserving this profession through the development of legislation that safeguards fishermen and protects their Labour rights. For his part, Mr. Al Dakhil praised the Ministry’s support for civil society and professional associations in achieving their developmental objectives. He expressed pride in the government’s sustained interest in the marine fishing sector—a vital pillar of the national economy—and emphasised the importance of intensifying joint efforts to conserve fisheries resources and develop this sector in service of society, through the enhancement of national laws and legislation governing this time-honoured profession.
09-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tree of Life Charity Society, Mr. Khalil Ahmed AlDailami, in the presence of several members of the Society’s Board of Directors. During the meeting, Mr. AlDailami reviewed the latest developments in the Society’s programmes and charitable initiatives, as well as areas of cooperation with government entities and civil institutions aligned with the Society’s developmental objectives. These efforts are intended to support the Society’s mission of implementing a range of charitable and social activities—particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, assistance to families in need, and the sponsorship of orphans—all of which positively impact community development. He also highlighted the provision of voluntary services in line with the strategic development plan to strengthen charitable work in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency the Minister commended the Society’s efforts in responding to the needs of various segments of society and expressed his appreciation for its distinctive initiatives in the charitable and humanitarian spheres. He further acknowledged the valuable role played by civil society organisations and institutions in advancing sustainable development across the Kingdom, and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating licensing procedures for charitable fundraising activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Tree of Life Charity Society expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its continued efforts in supporting the work of civil society organisations, helping them to operate professionally and enhancing their effectiveness, thereby enabling them to fulfil their mission and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our beloved nation.
09-04-2021
As part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s continuous efforts and follow-up to provide suitable employment opportunities for jobseekers and to train them to become the first and preferred choice for employers, the Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki, visited IKEA Bahrain to check on the progress of the training programme signed between the Ministry and the company under the On-the-Job Training Programme (Furas), aimed at training 40 jobseekers from various educational backgrounds, of whom 13 were selected for the first training cohort. The programme encompasses both theoretical and practical components (on-the-job training) and offers potential employment opportunities for outstanding participants upon completion of the training. Mr. Hayki affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s continuous commitment to strengthening collaboration with private sector establishments to attract and integrate national talent. He noted the importance of leveraging the “Furas” programme, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS). The programme aims to provide grants and training opportunities for Bahraini youth within companies and institutions to develop their capabilities and refine their expertise through specialised courses across various professional fields. It seeks to enhance their practical skills, nurture innovation, and prepare them to enter the Labour market and pursue leadership in entrepreneurship.
08-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Autistics Society, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Isa Jawad Hashem, in the presence of members of the Society’s Board of Directors. During the meeting, the President of the Bahrain Autistics Society reviewed the Society’s activities and achievements, as well as the latest developments in its voluntary and humanitarian programmes aimed at supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and addressing the needs of both them and their families. He commended the Ministry’s support for the objectives of specialised centres that provide educational and rehabilitation services for this group, and highlighted the importance of enabling them to strengthen their role and presence in society. On this occasion, Minister Humaidan praised the efforts of the Bahrain Autistics Society and its continued contribution to national efforts to support Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. He also acknowledged the Society’s role in launching innovative initiatives for the target groups, and affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s steadfast commitment to supporting and assisting all civil society institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving their voluntary and developmental objectives. He further emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to helping such organisations overcome the challenges they face in carrying out their humanitarian mission and social responsibilities, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
07-04-2021
The Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Ishaq Al-Kooheji, participated in the Fifth Arab Conference for Child Rights, organised by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States via videoconference. A delegation comprising Bahraini stakeholders concerned with children’s affairs also took part. The conference addressed emerging challenges facing children in Arab countries, particularly the adverse impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on their health, education, and social well-being. It also examined successful regional experiences in this context. Moreover, participants discussed the establishment of an Arab network through social media aimed at raising children's awareness of the pandemic. In his address, Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Ishaq Al-Kooheji, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, reviewed the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to combat the pandemic, highlighting the preventive and precautionary measures implemented to safeguard the health of all, particularly children. He underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to children’s rights as an integral part of the proactive measures initiated by the esteemed Government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. These efforts were carried out under the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, the decisions of the esteemed Government, and the national endeavours led by the National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus, spearheaded and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These collective efforts contributed significantly to mitigating the negative impacts of the crisis. As a result, by God's grace, the Kingdom garnered widespread international acclaim for its precautionary and well-considered preventive measures. These achievements embody the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pioneering stature and capacity to confront disasters and crises, grounded in a steadfast commitment to preserving the safety and health of all segments of society—citizens and residents alike—and safeguarding the well-being of children. Mr. Al-Kooheji further highlighted Bahrain’s success in sustaining education and rehabilitating children throughout the pandemic. He noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development launched several initiatives and programmes to optimise children’s time at home through digital networks. This was complemented by the Kingdom’s concerted efforts in the field of education, which included providing comprehensive educational materials and resources to students and forming 45 working teams dedicated to preparing new model lessons uploaded daily to the digital educational content platform for various academic levels. He also detailed the measures implemented to protect female workers in the childhood sector, whereby the Kingdom paid full salaries to female employees working in kindergartens and nurseries who were not insured by the General Organisation for Social Insurance, through the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) for a period of nine months. This support was subsequently extended at 50% of the salary for three additional months. Moreover, Mr. Al-Kooheji referenced the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to increase the monthly allowance for RHF-sponsored orphans and widows He concluded his speech by emphasising the Kingdom of Bahrain’s success in mitigating the pandemic’s repercussions, thanks to close cooperation between government sectors, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the executive and legislative authorities. Mr. Al-Kooheji noted that Bahrain’s experience represents a model to be emulated in promoting citizens’ rights and advancing healthcare, education, and social services as fundamental pillars of comprehensive national development.
06-04-2021
In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to assign the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to double the value of social assistance allocations paid to social security beneficiaries, as well as the financial aid provided through the Allowance for Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), on the occasion of the approaching holy month of Ramadan—to alleviate the living burdens on Bahraini families with limited income—and within the framework of the Government’s continuous efforts to support citizens in meeting their needs, the Ministry will commence the disbursement procedures for the necessary allocations on 15 April. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, expressed his profound thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect him, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the needs of citizens are met, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups. He stressed that the doubling of financial allocations, coinciding with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, would contribute significantly to achieving social stability for the eligible families and would benefit all recipients of social security assistance and the Allowance for People of Determination registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Humaidan explained that the Ministry had already begun taking measures to implement the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the doubled amounts for all beneficiaries would be transferred to their bank accounts on 15 April, during the holy month of Ramadan. He further stated that the number of families benefiting from social security assistance stands at 17,052 families, comprising categories specified under Law No. (18) of 2008 regarding social security—those without any source of income or with insufficient income to sustain their daily living requirements—with all amounts being transferred directly to their accounts. Regarding the Allowance for Persons with Disabilities, currently set at 100 dinars per month, Humaidan announced that it would be doubled to 200 dinars on the occasion of Ramadan. The number of beneficiaries amounts to 12,459 Persons with Disabilities, with the financial support transferred directly to their bank accounts. This coverage will encompass the regular monthly grant and the additional grant for People of Determination, including individuals with physical, mental, visual, hearing, autism, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities.
05-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the esteemed Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, has made substantial progress in narrowing the gap between education outcomes and labour market requirements. This has been achieved through a series of targeted measures and initiatives to enhance education and training policies and systems, in line with ongoing developments in the labour market and its increasing demand for skilled individuals to fill modern and qualitative roles offered by the private sector. This came during a speech delivered by Humaidan while patronising “the 8th Virtual Forum and Job Fair”, organised by the University of Applied Sciences via videoconferencing yesterday, Sunday. The event was attended by the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Waheeb Ahmed Al Khaja, the President of the University, Dr. Ghassan Fouad Awad, as well as representatives from 26 entities across the public and private sectors, in addition to a number of academics and officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. His Excellency called on students to make informed decisions regarding their choice of academic specialisations, aligning them with current labour market demands. He urged them to stay abreast of developments in qualitative employment opportunities and to take advantage of the upcoming skills platform to be launched by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, which will offer comprehensive information to students and parents about labour market trends. In this context, he underlined the responsibility of private educational institutions in creating sustainable opportunities to advance their education and training systems in response to the rapid and continuous technical and technological transformations occurring in the labour market. He also praised the role of specialised forums and events in enhancing professional awareness among students. For his part, Dr. Ghassan Fouad Awad stated that this year’s forum builds on the success of its previous editions in achieving their objectives, particularly by strengthening direct engagement between students, employers, and human resources professionals. He reiterated the University’s commitment to equipping the labour market in the Kingdom of Bahrain with qualified graduates across various productive and economic sectors. He further stressed the significance of career guidance and counselling in helping students make informed choices about their future career paths. This year’s forum addressed several key topics with the participation of specialists in human resources and recruitment. Discussions covered qualification programmes for new graduates and jobseekers, the future of employment, and career development in the evolving labour market. Participating organisations also showcased their employment opportunities for university students and graduates through the virtual career fair.
04-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with Her Excellency Dr. Masooma Hassan Abdul Rahim, Member of the House of Representatives, at his office, where they discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities for the benefit of citizens and the development of legislation related to service provision. The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the Ministry’s employment programmes and the enhancement of social welfare services. In this context, Humaidan emphasised the importance of reinforcing the principles of social responsibility and partnership to better serve citizens, particularly People of Determination—those distinguished by their resilience, resolve, and diverse capabilities. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to protecting their rights and fulfilling their aspirations by enabling their integration into society, in line with the Government’s dedication to including them in the broader national development process. He noted that the Ministry continues implementing various programmes and initiatives supporting this group across all levels. For her part, Dr. Masooma praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s ongoing collaboration with Members of the House of Representatives. She commended the Ministry’s sustained efforts to enhance its services, particularly the care and attention extended to Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), who benefit from a variety of initiatives and programmes alongside other citizens. These efforts include facilitating their integration into private sector institutions and providing comprehensive social care—reflecting the state’s firm commitment to all segments of society.
03-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, along with the members of the Board of Directors, praised the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to enable citizens engaged in online sales and “Chef” activities to voluntarily join the "Khatwa" programme for Productive Families Projects of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, free of charge, and benefit from its advantages. These include access to the Family Microfinance House (FMH) services, which provides financial support to entrepreneurs and productive families registered in the programme, to economically empower them and support the establishment of their productive ventures. This came during the general assembly meeting of the Family Microfinance House (FMH) and the first Board of Directors meeting of the current year, 2021, which was held yesterday, Sunday, under the chairmanship of Humaidan, via videoconferencing, in the presence of the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Family House, Dr. Khaled Ateeq, and other board members. Humaidan affirmed that the Family Microfinance House (FMH) continues to provide financial and non-financial services to various micro-projects run by entrepreneurs and productive families registered in the “Khatwa” programme for home-based businesses. This aligns with the institution’s objectives since its establishment in 2010. He noted the Family House’s ongoing efforts to expand its beneficiary base and create enabling conditions for applicants. He further stated that the Family House is prepared to receive applications from individuals wishing to establish small or micro-enterprises through joint cooperation with the “Khatwa” programme. These efforts aim to empower families seeking to enhance their skills and livelihoods, as well as individuals seeking employment, widows, and others, to generate sustainable income and improve their standard of living through productive and advanced economic engagement. The meeting also reviewed the annual performance report of the Family House and the audited final accounts for the financial year ending 2020. Observations were provided to support further development of the institution’s operations, with emphasis on adopting appropriate measures to improve its efficiency in light of the exceptional health conditions brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic. The establishment of the Family Microfinance House (formerly the Family Bank) as a financial institution operating under the Islamic microfinance system is consistent with national policies aimed at economically empowering individuals and families, unleashing their potential, and enhancing living standards. This initiative falls within the National Economic Strategy 2030 framework, which includes programmes to support citizens receiving social assistance and promote entrepreneurship. The Family House complements the esteemed Government's network of services and institutions supporting small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
02-04-2021
The winners of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families, in its 14th edition, were honoured at the local level in recognition of their contributions to national development. The award serves as a tribute to all productive families across the Kingdom of Bahrain, motivating them to pursue continued growth in local production and traditional crafts, and to engage in design and innovation that enhance their developmental role and competitiveness in ways that benefit the nation and support Bahraini households. This comes in light of the continued support and facilitation granted to productive family projects by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, may God protect her, as well as the relevant ministries and institutions, which collectively contribute to the success of home-based products and raise the standard of living for many families. The 2020/2021 award cycle winners were recognised at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development on 21 March at the Capital Mall for Bahraini Handicrafts. The awards were presented by Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Director of the Office of the Her Royal Highness Wife of His Majesty the King, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan. In its current session, 158 productive families applied for the award, which included three categories. The award for Best Productive Family was granted to Mrs. Aisha Khalil Al-Khajem; the award for Best Producer went to Mrs. Anisa Mohammad Al-Ali; and the award for Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive Families was presented to Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco). Evolving Project Mrs. Aisha Khalil Ibrahim Al-Khajem expressed her pride in winning the Best Productive Family award for her food production initiative, Al-Haif Coffee. She explained that her journey began over a decade ago with a single coffee product and gradually evolved into hospitality services. Her project expanded further with the support of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), enabling her to prepare large quantities for participation in regional festivals across the Gulf. She praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for advancing educational awareness and empowering female entrepreneurs through the Khatwa programme for home projects, which helped her develop her business on sound theoretical and scientific grounds. She also appreciated the facilitation of import and export procedures for coffee. Mrs. Al-Khajem expressed her hope to one day establish a roastery and coffee mill managed by Bahraini professionals, register her product as a global trademark, and export it internationally. Crowning Bahraini Talents Ms. Anisa Mohammad Al-Ali, who received the Best Product Award for her food project Muqramish, expressed pride in being selected among this year’s winners. She described the award as a powerful motivator for productive families, recognising it as a driver of innovation and excellence in Bahraini products. Since 2003, she has worked with determination to refine her products, which are now marketed both locally and abroad. Ms. Al-Ali emphasised her ongoing commitment to introducing new and distinctive items, and praised the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for providing raw materials that enable families to produce high-quality, standardised food items. Supporting Local Products Batelco expressed pride in winning the Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive Family Projects award. The company commended the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, may God protect her, in developing programmes that support productive families in Bahrain. It emphasised that such initiatives ensure sustainability and development by fostering excellence and competitiveness in commercial activities that elevate income and promote household stability. Batelco also acknowledged the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its efforts to nurture emerging Bahraini talent in the fields of handicrafts and national production. The company noted that the award reflects the shared vision of its Chairman and Board of Directors to advance community partnership and support national initiatives that enhance the sustainability of promising Bahraini enterprises. Arab Echo of the Award Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families is granted annually to the best family-led projects in Bahrain. In recognition of its success, the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs adopted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s proposal in December 2009 to launch an Arab version of the award under Her Highness’s name. The award now includes biennial celebrations recognising the best Arab productive family, best producer, and best sponsor and supporter of productive family initiatives across the Arab world.
01-04-2021
On 2 April, the Kingdom of Bahrain joined the international community in commemorating the UN-recognized World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2008. This year’s theme, “Children with Autism: Children of Excellence and Genius,” presents an opportunity to reaffirm Bahrain’s commitment as an active partner in formulating and implementing initiatives and programmes to raise autism awareness. Community partnerships and national strategies drive these efforts to enable society to respond to the needs of this group of children and facilitate their integration into all aspects of life. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, stated that, in line with the Government of Bahrain’s broader objectives, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development continues to enhance and expand diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services for this group. This includes the services that will be offered by the Rehabilitation Centre for People with Autism at the Comprehensive Disability Complex, which, upon its opening, is expected to deliver high-quality support to approximately 100 beneficiaries. Currently, 891 individuals with autism benefit from services provided by the Ministry. Humaidan underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting national efforts to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and elevate the quality of rehabilitation and educational services across 12 private Centres catering to People of Determination. The Ministry also covers the annual rehabilitation costs for eligible beneficiaries attending these Centres, including six institutions specialising in autism support: Alia Centre for Early Intervention, Tafaol Centre for Special Education, Al-Wafa Centre for Autism, Al-Rashad Centre for Autism, Al-Amal Centre for Early Care and Al-Amal Institute for Special Education. He also noted that the Ministry has licensed 25 private Centres focused on services for People of Determination with autism. In accordance with the directives of the Coordination Committee and based on recommendations submitted by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), a decision was issued to resume individual rehabilitation sessions and programmes at both public and private rehabilitation Centres as of June 2020. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has since conducted continuous and comprehensive supervisory visits to all Centres operating in the field of disability, to ensure their adherence to precautionary protocols and regulatory requirements. These inspections have been carried out in coordination with the “Volunteer for Bahrain” team—trained in monitoring and inspection roles—and the Ministry’s supervisory staff members.
01-04-2021
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Gulf University organised the “Virtual Careers Day 2021” via videoconferencing today, Thursday. The event, attended by a number of entities from both the public and private sectors, aimed to familiarise university students with the employment opportunities available within the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Labour market, particularly those offered by private sector institutions. In his opening remarks, Humaidan emphasised that the esteemed Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, places great importance on modernising the outcomes of education and training. He highlighted the Government’s efforts to align the education and training system with the current and future needs of the Labour market, ensuring the development of national human resources capable of driving productivity across various development sectors, and preparing a generation equipped with professional skills to pursue successful and sustainable career paths with confidence. In this context, he noted the role of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, in overseeing the establishment of educational infrastructure aligned with Labour market requirements. Humaidan announced that a specialised platform for employment skills would soon be launched. This platform will provide comprehensive data for students and their guardians, enabling them to understand actual and future employment trends and choose academic majors that align with their professional aspirations. In turn, the President of Gulf University, Dr. Muhannad Ismail Al-Mashhadani, stated that the organisation of this event for the tenth consecutive year reflects the university’s commitment to familiarising its students with the actual needs of the Labour market and the employment opportunities available to graduates across various specialisations. He noted the progress witnessed in Bahrain’s education and training sectors, attributing it to the esteemed Government’s continued interest in enhancing educational and training outcomes. Dr. Al-Mashhadani commended the cooperation and support extended by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development towards the university’s initiatives, including the aforementioned forum, as part of the broader complementary efforts made by private educational institutions to support the Government’s direction in professionally preparing national human capital and supplying the Labour market with highly qualified talent.
MLSD Minister: Arab and international Labor Standards Contribute in Building Relations Between Production Parties
31-03-2021
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO) and the Arab Centre for Labour Administration and Employment (ACLAE) in the sisterly Republic of Tunisia hosted a virtual course entitled “Arab Labour Standards.” The programme targeted members of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr) and was delivered via videoconference. The session drew high level participation, including: • Mr. Fayez Ali Al Mutairi, Director General of the ALO; • Mr. Yaqoub Yousef Mohammed, Executive Council Chairman of Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr); • representatives of trade union boards of directors; • labour federations and organisations from sister Arab states; • experts and specialists across multiple labour disciplines. The specialised course is designed to strengthen union awareness within the Kingdom of Bahrain and to reinforce constructive labour relations among the three production partners—government, employers and workers. It focused on three core themes: 1. Arab labour standards – objectives, defining characteristics, drafting stages and monitoring mechanisms; 2. Member state obligations under the ALO framework; 3. The role of Arab labour standards in safeguarding workers’ basic rights and ensuring comprehensive protection. In his opening address, Mr. Humaidan praised the ALO–ACLAE initiative, emphasising that promoting Arab labour standards and cultivating balanced employer–worker relations are essential to boosting productivity, market stability and sustainable growth across the region’s labour markets. Addressing participants, His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan noted that the exceptional public‑health measures and lockdowns imposed worldwide to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID‑19) have inevitably affected employment across Arab and global labour markets. He underscored the critical role that Arab and international labour standards play in such crises: by stipulating clear conditions and controls, these standards safeguard workers’ rights and workplace safety without compromising employers’ interests. Describing them as a primary source of national labour legislation, he urged closer collaboration among the three production partners—government, employers and workers—to keep labour markets stable and to weather the pandemic with minimal disruption. Mr. Fayez Ali Al‑Mutairi, Director‑General of the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO), echoed this view, explaining that Arab labour standards are tailored to the specific characteristics of regional labour markets. He stressed the importance of full adherence to these standards to protect the rights of both workers and employers, thereby fostering a safe, stimulating work environment. The ALO, he added, continues to coordinate with all three production parties in member states to ensure optimal implementation, with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting stability and growth across Arab labour markets. Mr. Yaqoub Yousef Mohammed, Executive Council Chairman of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr), highlighted the value of such forums in raising awareness of Arab labour standards and ensuring their consistent application through national legislation aligned with both Arab and international norms. He commended the ALO for equipping trade‑union practitioners with up‑to‑date knowledge of regional and global statutes, thereby strengthening the performance of union organisations throughout the Arab world.
MLSD Minister Meets the Chargé d'Affairs of the US Embassy
30-03-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, today received the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Ms. Margaret Nardi, at the Ministry. The meeting underscored the robust Bahraini–U.S. partnership and explored new avenues to deepen collaboration in labour affairs and social protection initiatives. Humaidan briefed Ms. Nardi on Bahrain’s drive to modernise labour legislation in line with international standards, stressing the Kingdom’s commitment to global best practices. He explained that Bahrain is keen to build on both nations’ success in labour relations, trade‑union development, combating human trafficking, and expanding social protection and social welfare programmes, thereby supporting a safe, flexible work environment and reinforcing labour‑market stability. Turning to current Government measures, Humaidan detailed initiatives that have prevented lay‑offs and subsidised citizens’ wages across the private sector. Central to these measures is the launch of National Employment Programme 2.0, introduced under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him. The programme accelerates the employment and up‑skilling of Bahraini talent, ensuring they remain employers’ preferred choice. For her part, Ms. Nardi praised Bahrain’s advanced labour legislation and attractive work environment, noting its rigorous efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard workers’ rights. She also commended Bahrain’s swift response to the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic, which has protected the workforce, enhanced competitiveness and maintained the stability of productive sectors. In conclusion, Ms. Nardi affirmed the United States’ ongoing desire to expand cooperation with Bahrain in all fields for the mutual benefit of both friendly nations.
MLSD Minister Insures the Importance of Media in Childhood Protection
25-03-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received Dr. Wajeeha Abdullah Abdul Karim Al‑Meer at the Ministry, where she presented him with a copy of her doctoral dissertation entitled “The Role of Media in Raising Awareness and Educating Children about Violent Crimes against Children.” The study examines the Bahraini community’s perceptions of local media and its effectiveness in spreading awareness of violence, explores society’s need to highlight such cases so that all segments can cooperate to confront and address their underlying causes, and aims to identify the most effective means of sensitising the public to the spread of violent crimes against children. Humaidan praised the dissertation, emphasising the importance of raising awareness of children’s rights and of society’s duties towards them, as well as the media’s crucial role—in all its forms—in promoting a culture that recognises and rejects violence against children. He noted that a sound upbringing free from violence provides the natural environment for nurturing a generation with self‑confidence and pride in their identity, and he expressed his appreciation for Dr. Al‑Meer’s efforts in producing this valuable study.
Preparing the Second National Report of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the rights of Disabilities Community
25-03-2021
The Chairman of the Executive Office of the Supreme Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, today chaired the Office’s third remote meeting, which all members attended. The session focused on priority issues affecting persons with disabilities, foremost among them the preparation of Bahrain’s second national report on the rights of persons with disabilities. the Supreme Committee also examined the mechanism for updating initiatives under the National Plan for the Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021–2026). The Executive Office serves as the administrative and technical arm of the Supreme Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities. It was established at the Committee’s third session in May 2020 under Resolution No. 5 of 2020, which restructured the Supreme Committee to incorporate members with proven expertise from governmental, private‑sector and civil‑society bodies involved in disability affairs. Alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Committee’s membership includes the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Education; Housing; Health; Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning; the Supreme Council for Women; Information Affairs; the Civil Service Bureau; Youth and Sports Affairs; the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the National Institute for the Disabled; the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled; and the Bahrain Mobility International Centre.
MLSD Minister Confirms the Efforts to Increase Employment & Ensure the Stability of National Employment
22-03-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with His Excellency MP Mohammed Khalifa Bu Hamoud and His Excellency MP Ahmed Yousef Al‑Ansari at the Ministry to discuss ways of strengthening joint cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities in labour, development and social welfare fields, with the overarching aim of securing a decent standard of living for citizens and maintaining the quality of the Ministry’s diverse services for all segments of society. During the meeting, Humaidan reaffirmed that the integration of citizens into the labour market remains a Ministry priority, noting ongoing efforts to accelerate the qualification and employment of jobseekers in private‑sector establishments while keeping unemployment within safe and stable limits. He also outlined measures to enhance the stability of national workers and make them the preferred choice for employment, in addition to initiatives on social protection, support for productive families and the empowerment of NGOs in advancing development work across the Kingdom of Bahrain. For their part, MPs Bu Hamoud and Al‑Ansari commended the Ministry’s efforts to safeguard the stability of national workers in the private sector—especially under current exceptional health conditions—and voiced their support for ongoing steps to refine regulations and legislation within the Ministry’s remit, thereby helping to implement the esteemed Government’s directives to provide every citizen with a dignified life.
Honoring the Winners of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Encouraging Productive Families
21-03-2021
Humaidan: Princess Sabeeka’s backing propels productive‑family projects to Arab and international acclaim The Ministry of Labour and Social Development today announced the winners of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families in its 14th local edition, during a ceremony at the Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products. Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Director of the Office of HRH the Wife of the King of Bahrain, presented the awards in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan. The family of Aisha Khalil Ibrahim Al‑Khajem received the Best Productive Family Award for their food‑production venture ‘Al‑Haif Coffee’; Ms. Anisa Mohammed Al‑Ali won the Best Product Award for her snack line ‘Muqramish’; while Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) earned the accolade for Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive‑Family Projects. In his address, Humaidan expressed profound gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, may God protect her, whose unwavering patronage of productive families since the award’s inception in 2007 has elevated the quality of their goods and led to regional and international recognition. He emphasised that sustainable economic and social security—achieved through the active participation of Bahraini women and families producing high‑quality goods—remains a key objective set by Her Royal Highness, which the Ministry is committed to realising through equal opportunities and an equitable partnership between women and men. Honouring this year’s winners takes on added significance amid the exceptional circumstances created by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Humaidan highlighted Princess Sabeeka’s humanitarian initiative, the «Together for the Safety of Bahrain» campaign, which extends vital support to women—particularly female breadwinners—easing the burdens imposed by the pandemic. Her Highness’s guidance has enabled productive families to continue operating safely, thereby sustaining their presence during these challenging times. Competition in this edition was robust: 158 local families entered, of whom 75 per cent were women. Their products will be showcased at the Capital Mall for Bahraini Productive Handicrafts from 21 to 27 March 2021, 09:00–21:00, under strict precautionary measures to safeguard exhibitors and visitors. Participation in this edition was notable, with 158 local productive families—75 per cent of them women—entering the competition. The Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products is currently displaying items submitted for Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families from 21 to 27 March 2021, 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., while observing all precautionary measures to safeguard exhibitors and visitors. It is noteworthy that the Productive Families Project, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development four decades ago, has achieved remarkable success—most recently when the Ministry received the Arab Government Excellence Award for the Khatwa Programme for Home Projects as the Arab world’s best community‑development initiative. The project began by assisting low‑income families who worked from home, and has since evolved through Khatwa, which has helped unlock individual potential and transform beneficiaries from social assistance recipients or jobseekers into successful home‑business owners. To date, more than 950 participants—of whom women represent 80 per cent—have obtained a Productive Home Licence, out of 1,500 productive families registered with the Ministry by the end of 2020.
MLSD Minister Praises the Constructive Partnership with the Ministry of Interior in implementing laws Enhancing Workers’ Housing to Preserve the safety of society
20-03-2021
In implementation of the directives of the Council of Ministers, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to continue monitoring the implementation of laws that enhance the organisation of workers’ accommodation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development—in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and other competent bodies—has intensified inspections to reduce occupancy density and ensure that every worker enjoys the stipulated living space. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the constructive cooperation of the Ministry of Interior, acknowledging the support of His Excellency Lieutenant‑General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, whose guidance is helping to strengthen compliance with precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID‑19. He noted that the Kingdom’s governorates play a pivotal role in detecting and rectifying violations, thereby improving conditions in workers’ residences. The Minister underscored the responsibility of employers and workers alike to follow the instructions issued by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and related authorities, thereby safeguarding health and safety in both workplaces and accommodation. To that end, the competent directorate within the Ministry is continuing a large‑scale inspection campaign of housing under the Ministry’s supervision in accordance with Law No. 36 of 2012 Promulgating the Labour Law in the Private Sector. Humaidan explained that maintaining workers’ safety and health is a Ministry priority. A specialist team of occupational safety engineers and inspectors now visits accommodation blocks to verify compliance with the requirements and specifications set out in Resolution (40) of 2014. Last year, the Minister issued an administrative circular instructing private‑sector establishments to reduce room occupancy and increase the floor space allocation per worker. In accordance with Article (3) of Resolution (40) of 2014, each worker must be allocated no less than four square metres of clear space, a requirement that directly supports the official drive to ease crowding. The circular further instructs private‑sector establishments to increase the number of lavatories and other sanitary facilities available to workers both at worksites and in their accommodations. It requires employers —or their authorised representatives —to monitor compliance with these measures and impose deterrent penalties on violators. In addition, establishments must prohibit inter‑employer visits between workers’ housing units. Employers that provide accommodation are also directed to reserve separate buildings capable of housing at least ten percent of their workforce for precautionary quarantine, which is in line with Public Health Department guidelines for establishments employing more than 50 workers. Humaidan expressed appreciation for the patriotic commitment shown by employers, noting their cooperation with the Ministry and other bodies. In the Capital Governorate alone, 283 establishments have complied with the new standards, relocating more than 15,000 workers to less crowded accommodation—a measure with significant benefits for public health and national efforts to combat the pandemic. He concluded by stressing that employers—or their authorised representatives—must monitor adherence to these precautionary measures and impose deterrent penalties on violators, thereby protecting the well-being of all labour‑market participants and society at large.
MLSD Minister Briefs MP Al-Abbas on the Development of Labor and Services
19-03-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with His Excellency Member of Parliament Mr. Ammar Hussein Al Abbas, in the presence of residents of the Ninth District, Capital Governorate, to discuss several matters related to the Ministry’s remit and services. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the latest developments in the Ministry’s initiatives and programmes to qualify and integrate citizens into the labour market. They also examined the range of services delivered through the Ministry’s social centres across all governorates—covering social care, support for senior citizens and People of Determination, as well as the development of productive families and the strengthening of their role in society. Emphasising the importance of closer cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Council of Representatives, Humaidan praised the Council’s role in supporting national legislation relevant to the Ministry’s work, thereby advancing shared sustainable development goals. For their part, MP Al‑Abbas and the residents of the Ninth District commended the Ministry’s efforts to implement Government policy aimed at securing a decent standard of living for citizens, noting the provision of quality employment opportunities and the enhancement of social protection for all segments of society.