News
Positive interaction of citizens and residents to report violations of "noon work"
08-08-2020
Citizens and residents have responded enthusiastically to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s dedicated hotline, which allows the public to report or seek guidance on the implementation of Resolution No. (3) of 2013. The resolution prohibits outdoor work in direct sunlight between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. throughout July and August each year—a measure first introduced in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2007. Acting Director of the Inspection and Occupational Safety Directorate, Engineer Mustafa Aqeel Al-Shaikh, noted that this strong engagement reflects widespread awareness of the resolution’s humanitarian purpose: safeguarding workers from the serious health risks posed by extreme heat and humidity. To date, the Ministry has received fifty‑nine calls on the dedicated line (32265727). These calls have included reports of potential violations and enquiries about legal requirements, ways to restructure working hours, appropriate personal protective equipment, and the correct response to cases of heat stress, sunstroke and other summer‑related illnesses. Upon receiving any hotline report alleging a breach of the summer work‑ban, the competent team at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development conducts an immediate site inspection to verify whether the violation has indeed occurred. The ministerial decision on the prohibition of noon work stipulates that "anyone who violates the provisions of this decision shall be punished by the penalties stipulated in Article (192) of the Labour Law in the Private Sector, promulgated by Law No. (36) of 2012. It also stipulates that anyone who violates any of the provisions of Chapter (15) and the decisions issued in implementation thereof shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months and a fine of not less than BD500 and not more than BD1000, or one of these two penalties." Engineer Mustafa Aqeel Al-Shaikh called on employers to cooperate fully with work‑site supervisors and occupational health‑and‑safety engineers by isolating heat sources or production processes wherever practicable, erecting protective barriers to reduce radiant heat, supplying appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing, and introducing worker‑rotation systems. He underscored the need to shorten periods of exposure, lengthen rest breaks, ensure a constant supply of fluids and salts, segregate food‑preparation and storage areas from heat‑generating operations, and maintain adequate first‑aid provisions for prompt medical intervention at the workplace.
MLSD Minister notes the role of book writers in promoting the importance of making the most of technological development in the labor market
06-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received writer Dr Jassim Haji at the Ministry today and accepted a copy of his new book, “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, necessity post COVID-19”. The publication explores how digital transformation can drive productivity across the labour market, identifying current and future production sectors that stand to benefit from technological advances and explaining how artificial intelligence can create high‑quality, rewarding employment as businesses modernise their operations. Humaidan praised the author’s research, describing the subject as vital in light of the global shift from traditional roles to technology‑centred occupations. He stressed the need for all relevant bodies to prepare national human resources through targeted training that equips them with skills suited to the evolving labour landscape. Such forward‑looking studies, he said, will help Bahraini youth seize opportunities in information technology and contribute to the Kingdom’s growth in promising digital sectors.
MLSD Minister participates in the closing session of the first week of the advanced leadership program "Hypo Youth"
06-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, joined the closing discussion of the first week of the HIPO Youth Advanced Leadership Programme via video link. Organised by the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA), the initiative lets young participants engage directly with national leaders, exchange ideas and present innovative proposals to decision‑makers. Designed to develop Bahraini talent that can excel locally and internationally, the programme positions youth as the optimal choice across all sectors. Humaidan emphasised that the Government consistently places citizens—particularly youth—at the heart of comprehensive development, recognising them as the cornerstone of Bahrain’s progress. Accordingly, it expands high‑quality training so young Bahrainis gain the professional skills and experience that make them employers’ first choice and enable rapid career growth into leadership roles across productive sectors. Reflecting on his own trajectory, Humaidan explained that a scholarly, values‑centred upbringing in a religious household fostered initiative, perseverance and diligence, qualities that allowed him to assume leadership responsibilities early. He praised the ministers and officials who entrusted him with significant duties when he was a young, ambitious Bahraini eager to innovate and drive change, noting that effective management involves delegating authority to nurture future leaders by broadening their experience and skill sets. Humaidan highlighted a defining milestone in his career—his tenure at the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of Gulf Cooperation Council member states—which exposed him to successful labour and social‑development models and taught him how to transfer those best practices across the Gulf to advance society. Concluding his remarks to the trainees, the Minister stressed that development opportunities are limitless and that obstacles are lessons that forge distinguished leaders and enrich their CVs. He urged participants to let national values guide their ambitions, noting that true dedication to work is service to country. Dr Raed Mohammed Ben Shams, Director‑General of the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA), affirmed that youth lie at the heart of Bahrain’s progress, noting that the HIPO Youth programme embodies the Kingdom’s vision for cohesive, institution‑based development by pooling national efforts to invest in young talent and equip them with multidisciplinary skills. He described the initiative as a professional school that hones future leaders drawn from youth centres, furnishing participants with cutting‑edge administrative and leadership knowledge and granting them direct access to Bahraini decision‑makers whose experience in government and institutional work provides actionable models of excellence. Such exposure, he said, will enable graduates to craft innovative projects that advance Bahrain’s national agenda and drive sustained development across all sectors.
How did Bahrain provide an integrated social protection system for the neediest citizens? .. Written by Jamil bin Muhammad Ali Humaidan .. Minister of Labor and Social Development
04-08-2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken deliberate, rapid steps to build a comprehensive social‑protection system that guarantees Bahraini citizens—especially the most vulnerable—a dignified life, beginning in 1972 with the introduction of social‑security assistance. Successive measures have added bonuses, allowances and both direct and indirect financial support, constantly updated to match economic developments. All such assistance embodies the spirit of social solidarity at the heart of Bahraini society and reflects the firm conviction of Bahrain’s wise leadership that every citizen deserves an adequate standard of living. This conviction has flourished during the comprehensive development process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, with unstinting support from His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. Despite these achievements, questions occasionally arise: have researchers and social activists fully considered the interlinked humanitarian, social and economic dimensions of Bahrain’s protection system? Has media coverage been deep and sustained enough to embed awareness of these rights and benefits in citizens’ consciousness? Why, when the state has guaranteed appropriate assistance, does any citizen still feel compelled to seek charitable help for basic needs—whether to remedy the effects of a house fire or to cover other essential living costs? These questions recur whenever a request for such aid surfaces, prompting reflection on how best to ensure that every eligible person accesses the support already secured for them. The Kingdom’s ministries, mainstream media, social‑media channels and official websites carry a wealth of information on the benefits available to Bahraini citizens, yet many people remain uncertain about their full entitlements or how to claim them. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development, therefore, continues to expand outreach—through lectures at social‑development centres, joint events with civil‑society organisations and direct digital engagement—to ensure that every eligible person understands and accesses the comprehensive support guaranteed by the state. Below is an integrated overview of the principal forms of government assistance currently in place, all of which are disbursed in accordance with clearly defined criteria and are financed, updated and expanded in line with national economic developments: • Social security assistance goes to households with no income or an income insufficient to meet basic needs. More than 17,000 families and individuals—widows, divorcees, abandoned women, older persons, families of prisoners, persons unable to work, persons with disabilities, unmarried women and orphans—receive a monthly allowance that shields them from poverty. • Cost of living financial support empowers some 120,000 Bahraini families to cope with price fluctuations. Heads of household in both the public and private sectors receive 100 dinars if their monthly income is below 300 dinars, 70 dinars if it is below 700 dinars and 50 dinars if it is below 1,000 dinars. Families that already benefit from social security assistance are prioritised. • Living standard improvement allowance for retirees, disbursed by the Social Insurance Organisation, honours roughly 82,000 retirees and their dependants. Payments are 150 dinars for pensions below 700 dinars, 125 dinars for pensions between 700 and 1,500 dinars and 75 dinars for pensions above 1,500 dinars. • Housing allowance of 100 dinars per month is paid by the Ministry of Housing to about 46,000 Bahraini applicants who have waited at least five years for state housing, helping them meet rental costs until they receive a unit. • Cash compensation for removal of meat subsidies safeguards family purchasing power; more than 160,000 households receive payments calculated to reflect each member’s entitlement. • Disability allowance of 100 dinars a month supports over 12,000 registered people with disabilities, helping them and their families cover disability related expenses. • The Ramadan grant, issued under the direct instructions of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, doubles social security and disability payments during the holy month, easing seasonal financial pressures. • Electricity and water bill reductions for social security beneficiaries are applied automatically through coordination with the Electricity and Water Authority. • Unemployment benefits assist new job seekers with 200 dinars a month for university graduates and 150 dinars for non graduates, paid for up to nine months while they pursue employment. Workers made redundant receive compensation equal to 60 per cent of their previous salary, subject to ongoing compliance with job search requirements. • Free vocational to to job seekers—who meanwhile receive unemployment benefits—and to newly hired employees, guiding them toward the professional certifications demanded by today’s labour market. These programmes combine theory and hands‑on practice to build industry‑specific expertise, workplace skills and positive behaviours, enabling participants to reach higher levels of professionalism and productivity in their organisations. Training paths—whether basic, advanced vocational or on‑the‑job—equip individuals for a chosen occupation or facilitate a smooth transition from one role to another, ensuring a workforce that meets employers’ evolving needs. Beyond direct cash benefits and vocational‑training schemes, Bahrain delivers a broad safety net of 15 indirect support programmes that reach every citizen. These include free public schooling, comprehensive healthcare, subsidised electricity and water, staple-food price support, social-insurance top-ups, wage subsidies for Bahrainis hired under the National Employment Programme, housing, fuel and petroleum-product subsidies, and dedicated care services for senior citizens, among others. Reflecting its commitment to social protection, the Government raised annual spending on these indirect programmes from BHD 385 million in 2018 to BHD 435 million in 2019—an increase of about 7 per cent—ensuring that essential services remain accessible and that household living standards continue to improve. While this comprehensive package of social assistance helps citizens meet living costs, the Kingdom’s strategic objective is to shift people from reliance on protection to active production. To that end, multiple initiatives enable Bahrainis to launch income‑generating projects and contribute to national development. Foremost among these is the Khatwa (Step) programme for home‑based businesses, which motivates families and young people to create and expand micro‑enterprises by offering training, an enabling environment and the resources needed for success. The programme markets Bahraini handicrafts through Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products, other retail venues and specialist exhibitions, and facilitates micro‑finance via Family Bank, elevating household living standards. In parallel, the Government supplies financing, incentives and start‑up exemptions that encourage youth entrepreneurship, and these ongoing initiatives have proved effective in curbing unemployment and ensuring the labour market continues to generate sustainable job opportunities. The Kingdom of Bahrain’s response to the economic repercussions of COVID‑19 has remained swift and inclusive. Acting on the unprecedented royal directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, the Government launched a BD 4.3 billion financial and economic rescue package that initially covered the full wages of more than 100,000 insured Bahrainis employed in the private sector for three months, April through June, and then extended wage support at 50 percent for July, August and September to maintain employment stability and stem lay‑offs. Complementary portfolios were assigned to assist taxi, public‑transport, bus and coach drivers and to pay the entire salaries of female staff in kindergartens and nurseries for three months, while all Tamkeen programmes were redirected to support affected enterprises, thereby reinforcing job security for national workers. To safeguard public health during the pandemic, the Government has shifted applications for every social‑service benefit to streamlined electronic platforms, eliminating the need for in‑person visits to social or employment centres and underscoring unwavering concern for citizens’ livelihoods, health and social welfare. Ultimately, every state‑approved programme and initiative exists for the citizen. It is therefore our shared duty to ensure that entitlements reach all eligible Bahrainis smoothly and efficiently. I urge civil‑society organisations to continue complementing government efforts by guiding individuals toward the support available to them. Together, we can empower every Bahraini to enjoy a secure, dignified life and to contribute productively to the Kingdom’s ongoing development.
MLSD Minister discusses with MP Hattab strengthening efforts to stabilize national employment in the private sector
29-07-2020
His Excellency Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received His Excellency Mr Abdul Razzaq Abdullah Hattab, Member of the Council of Representatives, in his office today, Wednesday. The meeting focused on reinforcing cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities, particularly with regard to advancing labour and social‑development legislation that elevates the quality of services provided to every segment of Bahraini society. Humaidan reiterated the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to expanding development‑service projects for citizens, safeguarding the employment stability of the national workforce across private‑sector establishments under all circumstances, and sustaining social‑protection policies that uphold the welfare of the community. He underscored the pivotal role played by the Council of Representatives in enacting laws, proposals and initiatives that enhance and modernise labour and social‑care frameworks. For his part, MP Hattab lauded the Ministry’s efforts to implement government policies that guarantee citizens a dignified standard of living, highlighting the swift digitalisation of services that has enabled the public to access all ministry offerings electronically during the current exceptional global circumstances. He called for continued synergy between the executive and legislative branches to navigate this period successfully and to further strengthen national development and prosperity.
MLSD Minister sponsors a symposium on "laws and practices related to elderly"
28-07-2020
Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, the Muharraq Parents’ Home, in cooperation with the Ejlal Centre for Elderly Services, convened an international virtual symposium entitled “Repaying the Debt to Parents”. Representatives of governmental, private and civil‑society organisations from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the GCC and several Arab states joined the forum, which examined current legislation and best practices relating to senior citizens. The symposium sought to review the spectrum of care services available to senior citizens, exchange regional and international expertise, and formulate practical recommendations that will further enhance the quality and scope of support extended to this esteemed segment of society. Humaidan, addressing participants at the opening session, affirmed that senior citizens carry an inestimable debt of gratitude and that safeguarding their right to a dignified life is a collective responsibility. He underscored the need to review existing laws and policies, strengthen family and community engagement and ensure that Governments provide comprehensive living, health, legal, recreational and protective services commensurate with seniors’ lifelong contributions to national development. Humaidan noted that the term “Senior Citizens” was adopted on the directive of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. He commended this initiative as a sincere acknowledgement of the need to elevate the status of senior citizens and to recognise their positive role in the development and construction of society, paying due respect to their careers, contributions and accumulated life experience. In this regard, he invited sister Arab States to adopt a unified designation that befits this esteemed group. He highlighted the Kingdom’s experience in establishing day‑care centres and clubs operated by civil‑society organisations for senior citizens, confirming that fourteen facilities are currently distributed across the governorates, with plans to reach twenty. These centres provide a familiar community environment where senior citizens of both genders spend the day engaged in a range of cultural, health, recreational and skills‑revival activities that foster social integration and sustain their constructive societal role. Chairman of the Muharraq Parents’ Home, Hassan Bu Hazza, praised Bahrain’s sustained commitment to senior citizens, acknowledging the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for home and club programmes as well as for broader civil‑society initiatives that advance shared development goals. The symposium featured specialised presentations. Bu Hazza outlined the Muharraq Parents’ Home model; Dr Fatima Al Khayat, Under‑Secretary at Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, discussed harnessing seniors’ energies and expertise; Huda Al Hamoud, Director of Social Welfare at Bahrain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Development, detailed the Kingdom’s comprehensive care framework. Ibtihal Al‑Aloul, Middle East and North Africa Programme Officer at Forum Civ Sweden, highlighted Sweden’s approach to elder services; Dr Hayat Yousef Malawi, Head of Saudi Arabia’s Ejlal Centre for Elderly Services, addressed elder rights within religious legislation; Amjad Saqr Al‑Karimeen, adviser on elder affairs in Jordan, reviewed national realities and the role of civil‑society institutions; Dr Amani Al‑Tabtabaei, adviser to the Digital City for the Elderly in Arab States, examined the Arab Charter on the Rights of the Elderly and related best practices; and Jassim Mohammed Al‑Hammadi, Director‑General of the Knowledge Office at the United Arab Emirates’ Department of Social Services, discussed society’s protective and care responsibilities. Participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council States and other Arab countries commended Bahrain’s wide‑ranging support programmes for senior citizens, affirming that the Kingdom’s comprehensive care policies, respectful terminology and collaborative community initiatives embody a firm commitment to valuing the lifelong contributions of its senior citizens and ensuring their dignified participation in national development.
60416 benefited from the support in 11,120 companies and institutions
27-07-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, announced that the Social Insurance Organization (SIO), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, has completed all administrative procedures to transfer 50 per cent of insured Bahraini employees’ salaries to the bank accounts of 11,120 private‑sector companies and institutions hardest hit by the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic. Beginning 27 July 2020, these establishments will disburse the Government’s wage support—paid in full accordance with each employment contract—to 60,416 eligible Bahraini citizens. This initiative implements 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 unify national efforts in confronting COVID-19 while safeguarding public health and sustaining economic activity. It also fulfils the decision of the Cabinet, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to cover half the salaries of insured Bahrainis employed in the most affected private‑sector establishments for July, August and September 2020 through the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The wage‑support programme is designed to bolster job stability, encourage employers to retain national talent and mitigate the economic impact of current market conditions. Humaidan clarified that, to qualify for this second phase of support, an establishment must be classified among the sectors most impacted by the pandemic, experiencing total or partial operational suspension that hinders its ability to meet wage commitments. Eligible employers must also maintain their Bahraini workforce throughout 2020 and pay the remaining salary portion in full, on time and without deduction. Following a comprehensive assessment based on defined criteria, the severely affected sectors are: travel and aviation; hospitality and restaurants; personal services (salons, gyms, recreational and entertainment venues); industry; health; transportation and communications; rehabilitation and training (including kindergartens); non‑food retail; administrative services (public relations, media and event organisation); real estate; engineering, technical offices and contracting; local newspapers and magazines; and any comparable sectors, excluding finance, communications, scientific, technical and professional activities, and university education and schools. Humaidan concluded by lauding the Government’s steadfast commitment to placing Bahraini citizens at the centre of every development initiative, recognising them as the Kingdom’s most valuable national asset. He underlined the State’s increasing dedication to shielding individuals from the socio‑economic repercussions of the COVID‑19 pandemic by bolstering protection programmes and social‑care services across all productive sectors.
MLSD heads the meeting of the Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities
25-07-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities in its new formation, constituted under Ministerial Resolution No. (5) of 2020, which was held via videoconference. The committee brings together representatives of government entities, the private sector and civil‑society organisations, including the Ministries of Labour and Social Development, Foreign Affairs, Education, Housing, Health, and Public Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning; the Supreme Council for Women; the Ministry of Information Affairs; the Civil Service Bureau; the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs; the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled; and the Bahrain Mobility International Centre. At the outset, Humaidan conveyed profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, for his sustained commitment to people with disabilities and for issuing the resolution that re‑established the committee, thereby reinforcing the principles of effective social partnership. He welcomed the members, underscoring their collective responsibility to ease the daily lives of people with disabilities throughout the Kingdom, promote their full integration into society and enable their active contribution to national development. He also emphasised the committee’s mandate to enhance care, rehabilitation, education and training services for individuals across the spectrum of disabilities, reflecting the Government’s unwavering dedication to this valued segment of citizens. The committee approved priority actions for the coming two years, foremost of which is the adoption of an advanced and practical work plan that will align the efforts of all state bodies within a single national framework, create opportunities, and set clear priorities for every matter concerning people with disabilities. Members underlined the importance of encouraging civil‑society initiatives that operate within a coherent national vision and integrate effectively with government agencies in serving the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens with disabilities. They also agreed on formally using the term “people of determination” in reference to this group, reflecting society’s appreciation of their resilience and positive contribution. In addition, the meeting examined the existing terms and procedures governing the licensing, establishment and operation of rehabilitation centres, institutes, care homes, shelters and workshops for people with disabilities. Members reviewed proposals for updating these regulatory requirements to ensure continuous improvement in service quality and full protection of the rights guaranteed to this segment of society by the state and the community.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development signs memoranda of understanding with training centers to qualify national competencies online
23-07-2020
As part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s continued drive to deliver high‑quality training that meets labour‑market requirements, three memoranda of understanding were signed today, Thursday, with Origin Training Centre, The Nine Training Centre and the Leadership and Influence Centre. The agreements, executed at the Ministry’s headquarters in Zayed Town in the presence of senior officials from all parties, will provide distance‑learning programmes that equip registered job seekers with the skills demanded by private‑sector employers, without imposing any fees or obligations on the trainees. The Undersecretary of the Ministry, Sabah Salem Al Dossari, signed on behalf of the Ministry, while the centres were represented respectively by Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Banna, Shaikha Noura bint Khalifa Al Khalifa and Dr Magdy Farouk Obaid. The memoranda form part of the national strategy to prepare Bahraini talent for immediate employment by accelerating virtual training initiatives that align with employers’ evolving needs. Al Dossari confirmed that additional agreements with specialised institutions are in preparation, all designed to broaden the professional and personal capabilities of job seekers under the Ministry’s training‑and‑employment programmes. He emphasised that launching remote courses during the current exceptional period not only sustains training delivery but also leverages modern technology to open new horizons consistent with rapid labour‑market changes, thereby supporting government directives to integrate citizens into private‑sector establishments swiftly and effectively. Representatives of the three centres expressed their appreciation for the Ministry’s steadfast support, noting that such partnerships enable private training providers to surmount challenges, enhance service quality and contribute meaningfully to the development of national competencies. They reiterated their full commitment to cooperating with all stakeholders and to mobilising national efforts that advance vocational training across the Kingdom of Bahrain.
MLSD Minister discusses with MPs Al-Ansari and Bou Hammoud efforts to secure the stability of national employment in the private sector
16-07-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Council of Representatives members Ahmed Yousef Al Ansari and Mohammed Khalifa Bu Hamoud at the Ministry’s headquarters on Thursday. The discussions focused on reinforcing coordination between the executive and legislative branches, particularly with regard to updating labour and social‑development legislation and broadening the range of services delivered to citizens. Humaidan outlined recent progress on Ministry initiatives that safeguard and stabilise Bahraini employment, support private‑sector establishments in sustaining productivity under all circumstances and enhance social‑care and rehabilitation programmes for every segment of society. He underscored the Council of Representatives’ pivotal role in advancing laws and initiatives aligned with citizens’ aspirations and the Ministry’s strategic objectives. Al Ansari and Bu Hamoud commended the Ministry’s close cooperation with the legislative authority and lauded its success in expanding both welfare and labour‑market services in line with Government policy aimed at guaranteeing a dignified standard of living for all Bahrainis. The Members of Parliament highlighted the Ministry’s central contribution to maintaining job security for citizens employed in private enterprises and strengthening the Kingdom’s social‑protection framework.
MLSD enhance the final phase national platform initiative "Bahrain Experts"
15-07-2020
The Director of Training and Manpower Development at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Dr Essam Ismail Al‑Alawi, who heads the executive team for the National Platform for Bahraini Experts (Experts Register) initiative, announced the completion of the third phase of the executive plan for launching the initiative, which the Ministry is implementing in cooperation with the Information and eGovernment Authority. This forms part of the National Plan to Promote National Belonging and Consolidate the Values of Citizenship (Our Bahrain). He confirmed that work has already commenced on the final phase with preparations under way for the pilot launch, and that the design of the electronic platform’s user interface is currently in progress. The initiative, one of 105 projects within Our Bahrain, is being advanced through the concerted efforts and national partnership of 25 ministries and institutions aligned with the plan’s five tracks, namely Belonging Programmes, Public Relations Campaigns, Media Initiatives, Curriculum and Course Initiatives, and Legislation and Regulation Initiatives. Dr Al‑Alawi explained that the project will establish a comprehensive national platform featuring a database of Bahraini experts and specialists across diverse disciplines, documenting both their academic credentials and professional achievements. The platform will reflect the Kingdom’s distinguished reputation, recognise outstanding national competencies with due appreciation, and provide young people with inspiring role models who will motivate them to pursue expertise in their respective fields. In that connection, Dr Al‑Alawi stressed that the National Platform for Bahraini Experts (Experts Register) will unify efforts across official and civil‑society bodies by integrating existing rosters—initially in engineering and real‑estate specialities—and subsequently adding information and communications, health, finance, insurance, banking and manufacturing. Consolidating these databases will streamline access to expertise and enable institutions to draw on seasoned Bahraini professionals at every level. He also noted that earlier implementation phases featured consultative meetings with public and private entities to examine current practices, review their expert lists and determine how best to incorporate them into the Experts Register. A comprehensive implementation guide has been drafted to govern relations between experts, platform administrators and beneficiary organisations; it defines the criteria for expert accreditation, outlines participation requirements and enumerates the advantages available to registered specialists. Al‑Alawi confirmed that the initiative’s fourth and final phase is underway. The project team has held bilateral sessions with colleagues at the Information and eGovernment Authority, endorsed the operational model and approved the interface design. Technical development of the platform has commenced in line with the approved timetable, paving the way for a pilot launch of the Experts Register.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development completes the integration of the "Disability ID" data with the developed identity card
14-07-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has completed the full integration of data for the approved disability card into its own systems and into the population‑registry platform managed by the Information and eGovernment Authority. As a result, the Authority has begun printing a disability code on every new smart ID card and embedding both the code and disability type in the card’s electronic chip, thereby streamlining access to facilities and services for people with disabilities throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain. This achievement is the product of sustained coordination between the Ministry’s Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sector and the Authority’s ID Card and Population Registry Directorate. Under a joint 18‑month plan, all existing disability cards will be upgraded before their current validity lapses, ensuring that cardholders retain uninterrupted benefits until the legacy cards are fully phased out at the end of 2021. By adopting advanced technologies and unified databases, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to delivering high‑quality, cost‑efficient services that enhance the well‑being of every citizen, in line with national objectives to boost service effectiveness, reduce administrative costs and elevate overall performance. People with disabilities who are registered in the Ministry’s electronic system and hold the upgraded smart ID card will continue to receive every benefit previously afforded through the dedicated disability identification card. These privileges include commercial discounts at participating retail outlets and service providers, eligibility for a parking‑permit sticker issued by the General Directorate of Traffic, access to a dedicated lane at the King Fahd Causeway Authority, and a 50 per cent reduction on causeway crossing fees. For further information, beneficiaries may contact the Special Needs Services Department on 17102378, Sunday to Thursday, between 07:00 and 14:00. The Information and eGovernment Authority confirms that all 12,000+ citizens with disabilities who are registered with the Ministry may obtain the updated ID card featuring the disability code either upon the normal expiry of their current card or, if preferred, by renewing early through the ID‑card services available on the National Portal at www.bahrain.bh. Cardholders are requested to ensure that their disability data held by the Ministry are accurate, as the code and related details are now pulled automatically from the Ministry’s database into the national population registry, replacing the previous practice of issuing a separate disability card. The Authority has upgraded its systems to print the disability icon and status on the reverse of the card and has validated all technical procedures to allow immediate processing of renewal requests.
Deposit compensation amounts for lifting meat subsidies July 15
13-07-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has completed the transfer of quarterly compensation for the removal of meat subsidies into the bank accounts of eligible citizens for the months of July, August and September 2020. In line with the initiative to unify the disbursement date for all government support programmes, the deposits will reach beneficiaries on 15 July 2020. A total of 168,054 Bahraini families will receive compensation amounting to 7,118,507 Bahraini dinars, provided in accordance with the Cabinet decision of May 2015 that established the mechanism for directing meat‐subsidy support to Bahraini citizens.
MLSD conducts periodic inspection and monitoring of "disabled" service centers
12-07-2020
Mrs Jalila Al Sayed Salman Shubar, Head of Special Needs Services Department at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, confirmed that the Ministry has intensified monitoring and inspection visits to private rehabilitation centres operating in the disability sector to verify full compliance with the health precautionary requirements introduced to curb the spread of Coronavirus (Covid‑19). The intensified oversight follows the resumption of programmes, activities and individual rehabilitation sessions, which are being delivered in cooperation with the Bahraini community to reinforce the principle of community partnership. She underlined that inspections will be carried out on both a periodic and random basis; any centre found in breach of the approved controls will be cited for a violation and subjected to the requisite legal measures. The administrative circular issued recently by His Excellency, the Minister of Labour and Social Development, governs the resumption of operations in private disability centres and sets out the essential health safeguards needed to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. Core stipulations include daily sterilisation and disinfection of premises, placement of sanitisers at entrances and throughout the facilities, upkeep of cleanliness and ventilation, mandatory sterilisation of shared tools and devices before and after use, adherence to social‑distancing norms and obligatory mask wearing; individuals presenting a body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius are barred from entry. Mrs Shubar noted that fifteen volunteers from the National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus have been seconded to support inspection activities. These volunteers received targeted training on inspection procedures, including the proper completion of evaluation forms during the pilot phase, and were equipped with new skills to refine their talents and deepen their commitment to voluntary work. She expressed her appreciation for the dedication and cooperation shown by the volunteers and the Ministry’s supervisory team, particularly during these exceptional circumstances.
90% satisfaction rate of beneficiaries of the "Tawasul" system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development from January to last June
11-07-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development recorded a beneficiary‑satisfaction rate of 90 per cent through the Government’s “Tawasul” platform between January and the end of June 2020. During that six‑month period, the number of users submitting enquiries, comments, complaints or suggestions—whether citizens, residents or institutions—rose sharply to 2,361, compared with 631 during the same period in 2019, underscoring growing public confidence in the Ministry’s digital service channels. Undersecretary Sabah Salem Al‑Dosari stated that a dedicated “Tawasul” team, established by ministerial decision, ensures timely responses to every submission in line with response‑time targets agreed with the Information and eGovernment Authority. The team monitors the platform daily, including weekends and official holidays, and coordinates continuously with 43 authorised focal points across Ministry departments to resolve issues promptly, incorporate constructive proposals and uphold the highest standards of service quality. Al‑Dosari affirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to address every enquiry, complaint or suggestion conveyed via “Tawasul” or through its social‑media channels, in line with the Government’s directive to expedite procedures that facilitate citizens’ dealings with public entities. Between January and the end of June 2020, the “Tawasul” platform logged 2,361 submissions concerning Ministry services. Unemployment‑insurance enquiries formed the largest category with 671 cases, followed by 429 requests related to social assistance, 373 cases on job‑seeker registration, 226 labour‑consultation matters and 190 labour‑inspection issues, while the remainder concerned other Ministry departments and services. Of the overall total, 1,033 were formal complaints, 1,250 were enquiries, and 64 were proposals.
MLSD Minister: : The government undertakes to pay 50% of the salaries of citizens in the private sector, according to the specified criteria
11-07-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, lauded 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 unify national efforts against the repercussions of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) in a manner that safeguards the health and safety of citizens and residents while sustaining governmental programmes designed to advance sustainable‑development goals, maintain liquidity in local markets and support the sectors most affected by the pandemic. He further commended the decision of the Council of Ministers, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to disburse fifty per cent of the wages of insured Bahraini employees in the most affected private‑sector establishments for three months beginning July 2020, financed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Humaidan underscored the Government’s determination to place the Bahraini citizen at the centre of its development initiatives, recognising citizens as a genuine and dependable national asset, and highlighted the State’s steadfast commitment to social protection amid the varying impacts of the pandemic on productive sectors. Expressing appreciation for employers’ cooperation with Ministry directives, he clarified that the Social Insurance Organisation will cover up to half of the insured wage for eligible Bahrainis working in private‑sector companies and institutions impacted by COVID‑19; beneficiaries must have been insured as of the end of June 2020 or hired and insured through the National Employment Programme during the month preceding each disbursement. Humaidan added that the economic sectors most affected by the COVID‑19 pandemic comprise: the travel and aviation sector; the hospitality and restaurant sector; the personal services sector, including salons, gyms, games and entertainment venues; the industrial sector; the health sector; the transportation and communications sector; the rehabilitation and training sector, inclusive of kindergartens; the retail sector for non‑food products; the administrative services sector, covering public relations, media and event organisation; the real estate sector; engineering and technical offices and contracting; the local newspapers and magazines sector; along with any other demonstrably affected sectors, with the exception of the financial sector, telecommunications, scientific, technical and professional activities, and university education and schools. Regarding the eligibility requirements and criteria, Humaidan clarified that an establishment must fall within the most affected sectors and demonstrate that the COVID‑19 pandemic has adversely impacted its workforce and financial resources to the extent that operations were wholly or partially suspended, hindering its ability to meet wage obligations; the establishment must also undertake to retain its Bahraini employees throughout 2020 and to pay the remaining salary balance in full, without deductions, on the designated pay dates. He added that the Ministry will reassess the roster of enterprises that benefited from the first financial and economic package, identify those that qualify for the current tranche of assistance based on sectoral impact, and forward the approved list to the Social Insurance Organization so that support amounts can be transferred to the eligible establishments during the fourth week of each month.
MLSD Minister heads the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Family Bank
04-07-2020
Humaidan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Bank and Minister of Labour and Social Development, chaired the Bank’s second board meeting for 2020, held via video conference with the participation of Vice‑Chairman Mustafa Al Sayed, Chief Executive Officer Dr Khaled Ateeq and the other board members. The meeting reviewed the Bank’s latest legal and financial actions, foremost among them the six‑month postponement of loan repayments for citizens announced recently to mitigate the repercussions of the exceptional circumstances arising from the national precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID‑19. The deferment covers all productive families registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, as well as individual beneficiaries of the Family Bank’s loans and facilities, in alignment with the Royal Directives and the Central Bank of Bahrain’s circular on this matter. Humaidan commended the distinguished efforts of the Family Bank’s executive management and staff, praising their efficiency in addressing the current exceptional circumstances and their ability to meet beneficiaries’ needs while limiting negative repercussions, thereby reinforcing the Bank’s social and developmental role. He directed the team to devise further initiatives that expand the businesses of productive families and entrepreneurs, enabling them to overcome present challenges and invigorate the local economy through projects that satisfy consumer‑market demand. He underscored the importance of launching an ambitious outreach plan to attract diverse community segments, encouraging them to access the Bank’s tailored services and the accompanying facilitative advantages that improve economic conditions and advance small and medium enterprises across the Kingdom. The Family Bank, established as an Islamic microfinance institution, aligns with national objectives to empower individuals, unlock potential and elevate living standards. It directly supports the National Economic Strategy 2030, which prioritises the development and empowerment of citizens receiving social assistance and facilitates entrepreneurship. In doing so, the Bank complements the comprehensive suite of services offered by the Government of Bahrain and by other organisations dedicated to fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises.
Paying arrears to foreign workers and evacuating those who have resigned to their countries
02-07-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development clarifies that, following reports circulated on certain social‑media accounts concerning a gathering of expatriate workers on 30 June 2020 at the Ministry’s headquarters to claim outstanding wages, a formal meeting had already been convened with representatives of both the workers and their employer under the direct oversight of the competent department. During that meeting the employer undertook to settle all arrears and presented a phased repatriation plan for resigned employees, with travel arranged in batches according to seat availability on flights to their respective home countries. The Ministry’s specialised team subsequently briefed the workers’ embassies on the plan, ensuring that every employee will receive full financial entitlements prior to departure.
Holding workshops to raise awareness of the importance of adhering to the noon work ban
02-07-2020
Within the framework of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s strategy to cultivate a preventive occupational safety and health culture, and in line with Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013, regarding the prohibition of working under sunlight and in open places during the afternoon period from 12 noon until 4 p.m. throughout July and August, the Ministry’s Occupational Safety Department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, conducted a virtual workshop entitled “Safety from Summer Diseases”. This event coincided with the commencement of supervisory inspections to ensure establishments’ adherence to the mid-day work ban for the current year , 2020. The workshop brought together employers, labour inspectors, and occupational safety officials from private-sector establishments. It outlined the joint measures taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Health to raise awareness, strengthen oversight, and secure full compliance with the Resolution across all economic sectors. Such coordination is essential to protecting workers from heat‑related accidents and injuries arising from the elevated temperatures and humidity that characterise these months. The workshop forms part of a series of online meetings organised by the Ministry as a precautionary measure in the current circumstances and constitutes a key element in the Ministry’s programme to strengthen preventive awareness of occupational safety and health at the workplace. It reflects the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s policy of fostering community partnership among the three production partners to elevate safety standards across the Kingdom of Bahrain. Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all occupational safety and health procedures and guidelines are fully applied within private‑sector establishments; such compliance, he noted, is best secured through close cooperation and coordinated efforts among production partners and civil‑society organisations. Participants welcomed the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives and observed that these activities provide valuable insight into the latest developments in creating safer workplace environments, thereby reinforcing a culture of safety and underlining its importance to both employers and workers.
The World Summit discusses efforts and initiatives to confront the Covid-19 pandemic
01-07-2020
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s swift and comprehensive response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, noting in particular the Kingdom’s support for private‑sector establishments, its success in preserving workers’ rights and job stability, and its creation of new employment opportunities for citizens across productive sectors—measures that have helped maintain labour‑market resilience and mitigate local economic impacts. Humaidan participated today, Wednesday, via videoconference, in the International Labour Organisation’s regional summit on “The COVID‑19 Pandemic and the World of Work in Arab Countries.” The summit assembled labour ministers from Arab member states, representatives of chambers of commerce and trade unions, as well as delegates from specialised international organisations and scholars from leading universities. Its purpose was to facilitate experience‑sharing among the tripartite production partners, examine the pandemic’s social and economic repercussions, showcase exemplary response practices and coordinate Arab initiatives to mitigate the outbreak’s adverse effects on workers while reviewing the preventive measures adopted across the region. Humaidan stated that, acting upon the royal 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 Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the orders of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Kingdom launched a BHD 4.3 billion financial‑and‑economic stimulus package that unified national efforts to counter the repercussions of COVID‑19. All government initiatives focused on cushioning institutions and individuals from economic fallout and safeguarding labour‑market stability. Through the Unemployment Fund, the State paid the full wages of Bahraini employees in the private sector for April, May and June 2020 and, following consultations with the legislative authority and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, covered 50 per cent of the salaries of insured Bahrainis in the hardest‑hit enterprises for an additional three months beginning July 2020, under conditions set by the Ministry in coordination with the competent bodies. These measures markedly preserved citizens’ employment security. Concurrently, the Government, via the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and in line with Board‑approved criteria, channelled targeted support to the sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic, thereby injecting liquidity into local markets and reinforcing sustainable‑development objectives. Humaidan underscored the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to shielding the business sector and safeguarding the entire workforce, while ensuring comprehensive healthcare and social‑protection services for citizens and residents alike. He noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has maintained uninterrupted, fully electronic delivery of all labour‑market and social‑care services, thereby streamlining public access—most notably to employment‑placement tools—during the pandemic. Simultaneously, virtual training and qualification programmes have continued apace, consolidating Bahrain’s regional leadership in learning and skills development. Looking ahead to the post‑COVID‑19 phase, Humaidan confirmed that the Kingdom is intensifying studies and procedures to identify the competencies required for emerging fields in advanced technologies and information technology, including new medical specialisations dedicated to epidemic response, so as to equip national cadres with the skills essential for future labour‑market demand and sustained economic growth.