News
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development praises the cooperation with the Economic Development Board
24-02-2020
His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr Sabah Salem Al Doseri, received the Executive Director of the Tourism Sector at the Economic Development Board (EDB) and a member of the Board of Directors of Edamah, Mr Hussain Rajab, and the Higher Education Adviser for UK Students at the Court of the Crown Prince, Ms Ava Garbutt. The meeting was attended by a number of officials from the EDB and the Ministry. Discussions focused on mechanisms for establishing the British Outward Bound Foundation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, Mr Al Doseri praised the ongoing co‑operation and coordination with the EDB in supporting the national economy, noting the Board’s important developmental role in enhancing the investment‑attractive climate. He indicated that the entry of Outward Bound Bahrain will introduce new programmes in training and professional development, and implement training programmes that equip participants with valuable skills in education, work and life, enabling them to be more confident, effective and capable in their professional lives. He also directed the competent department at the Ministry to expedite procedures for granting the institution a licence among the non‑profit civil institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. For his part, Mr Hussain Rajab praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for the EDB’s efforts to develop human capital and to advance plans and mechanisms that contribute to achieving sustainable development through optimal investment in Bahraini human capital within economic projects.
Humaidan meets with the Director of the International Bureau for Education of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at UNESCO to discuss prospects for joint cooperation
22-02-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Childhood Committee, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with the Director of UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education (IBE), Her Excellency Dr Mmantsetsa Marope, on the sidelines of the Second International Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in Victoria, Seychelles, held from 21 to 23 February. The conference reviewed the achievements made by the Kingdom of Bahrain in the fields of development, protection and care, which have placed it among the advanced countries in the field of children’s rights, as internationally recognised by the Committee on the Rights of the Child during the review of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s periodic report in Geneva. During the meeting, cooperation with all international expertise that promotes sustainable development in the Kingdom of Bahrain was welcomed, including joint cooperation in the areas of developing and building a database for early childhood. In this context, the Director of the International Bureau of Education expressed her desire to enhance cooperation with Bahrain and open new horizons for exchanging expertise and successful experiences in this vital field, as part of her work tasks during the coming period, in order to achieve the goals related to early childhood within the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations. Dr Marope commended the Kingdom's international standing and its distinguished and pioneering experience among the countries of the region in the field of human rights and the preservation and protection of human rights in accordance with advanced systems and legislation. She expressed her aspiration to enhance cooperation and coordination in various humanitarian fields related to children within the framework of the goals of the United Nations and UNESCO. It is worth noting that the conference is organised by the Institute of Early Childhood Development of the Republic of Seychelles and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education (IBE), with the participation of more than 250 specialists from a number of UN member states, in addition to a number of experts in the field of childcare and specialised organisations. The current session of the conference addresses international initiatives in early childhood care and education, in addition to reviewing the experiences and practices in this field from the participating countries. The conference emphasises the importance of managing electronic databases to enhance policies and programmes in the field of early childhood development. The speakers will focus on the challenges and difficulties facing countries around the world in the field of child development, as well as the policies proposed to address them at the levels of legislation, financing, and health and social protection frameworks. The meeting was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, Mr Khalid Abdul Rahman Ishaq Al Kooheji, representing the Ministry of Labour and Social Development; Assistant Undersecretary for Special and Continuing Education, Mr Jaafar Ali Al‑Sheikh, representing the Ministry of Education; and Assistant Undersecretary for Hospital Affairs, Dr Mohammed Amin Al‑Awadhi, representing the Ministry of Health.
Humaidan praises the directives of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad to form a joint team between the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs
20-02-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, and President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, to form a joint working team between the Ministries of Labour and Social Development and Youth and Sports Affairs. The team’s objective is to review employment applications and submit the necessary proposals to expedite the employment of unemployed youth, in response to the needs and aspirations of Bahraini youth. His Excellency stressed that forming this joint team is an important step towards enhancing and increasing the pace of employment, and that it aligns with the Ministry’s vision to work with all relevant government agencies and the private sector to maintain unemployment at safe and stable levels. In a statement on this occasion, Humaidan affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s readiness to fully cooperate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to follow up on the employment applications of Bahraini youth in the labour market, noting that keeping unemployment within safe and stable limits is among the national priorities pursued by the esteemed Government. This is to achieve stability and balance in the labour market and to preserve the gains realised in this regard, within the framework of the reform process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him. His Excellency added that, in light of the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a joint team will be formed immediately, in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs. This team will formulate a joint action plan between the two ministries to present to His Highness a comprehensive vision to accelerate the employment of Bahraini youth and to continue developing the programmes, plans and strategies set to integrate graduates into the labour market, including whatever the committee deems appropriate solutions that contribute to achieving the desired goals. Humaidan renewed his thanks to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for these directives and initiatives that support Bahraini youth in various fields, expressing hope that the joint team will deliver results that meet His Highness’s aspirations to expedite the employment of young job seekers. He stressed that the esteemed Government attaches special importance to Bahraini youth, considering them the arms on which the country relies in the comprehensive development movement, and the pillar of the construction and goodness journey that the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoys in this prosperous era.
Humaidan and Al-Moayad discuss aspects of cooperation and integration between the Ministries of Labor, Social Development, Youth Affairs and Sports
19-02-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received His Excellency the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Mr Ayman Bin Tawfiq Al Moayed, in his office today, Tuesday, in the presence of a number of officials from both ministries. They discussed aspects of co‑operation and integration between the two ministries to support and develop the youth category, enhance various services provided to them, and enhance their national contributions to the process of construction and development. During the meeting, Humaidan briefed the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs on the activities and programmes implemented by the Social Development Centres targeting the youth segment, who constitute the backbone of society. He highlighted the Centres’ aim to instil a sense of national pride in this segment, train them in self-reliance and self-confidence, and provide them with individual, social, and educational skills and experiences. He also noted the implementation of a number of sports activities and intensified awareness campaigns targeting the youth segment, as well as efforts to develop volunteer work and guarantee the rights of Bahraini youth in various areas of volunteering to serve the community. This is achieved by providing some headquarters for youth organisations—such as the youth complex for the headquarters of youth associations—with the aim of activating joint national activities between youth civil society organisations. He stressed the need to enhance joint co‑operation between the two ministries to bolster the developmental role of young people and integrate them into various development projects. Al Moayed also reviewed a number of initiatives offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to develop youth, invest their energies, and fill their free time. He praised the positive interaction of Bahraini youth with these programmes, stressing that the efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs complement those of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in creating spaces that cover the free time of youth and motivate them to give and contribute for their country, as well as to build their personal future and achieve stability and a decent life. He considered Bahraini youth to be at the forefront of Arab youth who invest their energies and talents to serve and develop their country, stressing in this context the importance of enhancing co‑operation between the two sides to achieve common national goals towards serving all segments and categories of society—at the forefront of which is the youth category—in implementation of the vision of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, and President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and within the framework of the National Programme for the Development of the Youth and Sports Sector (Istijaba), to make Bahrain the capital of youth and sports. In this context, Humaidan and Al Moayed stressed that the initiatives and projects of the Ministries of Labour and Social Development and Youth and Sports Affairs primarily aim to enhance the role of all segments of society—especially Bahraini youth—to participate in the development movement, invest their energies, create nurturing spaces to develop their talents and provide them with various skills, and activate their social role, as all types of financial and moral support are provided to achieve these goals. They noted the remarkable achievements of Bahraini youth on the professional, social and sports levels, which reflects the esteemed Government’s interest in this category, and expressed their aspiration to enhance co‑operation between the two ministries, especially with regard to sports professionalisation, and to launch joint youth initiatives to support Bahraini youth on various development levels. The two sides agreed to identify joint mechanisms to enhance co‑operation, continue co‑ordination within the partnership, and develop programmes that achieve the desired goals.
With the participation of 60 entities from the public and private sectors, the Minister of Labor and Social Development inaugurates the Bahrain Exhibition for Training and Pre-Work Education
17-02-2020
On Sunday, His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, opened the eighth edition of the Bahrain Exhibition for Training and Education Pre‑Employment at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, held from 17–18 February and organised by Med Point Events Management Company, in the presence of Shaikha Noura bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chair of its Board of Directors, His Excellency Ahmed Sabah Al Saloom, Member of the Council of Representatives, and a number of employers and heads of participating training and educational institutions. The exhibition aims to acquaint prospective secondary‑school and university graduates with available educational, training and career opportunities, the requirements of the labour market, and the academic and professional skills demanded across sectors. It also enables participating entities to meet job seekers directly, understand their capabilities and interests, and familiarise them with employer requirements and current and future opportunities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 60 entities from the public and private sectors are participating across three main fields: education, training, and employment. In education, pavilions feature several higher‑education institutions and universities accredited by the Higher Education Council at the Ministry of Education. The training pavilions include many private Bahraini institutes supervised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, which award professional or specialised certificates with support from the Labour Fund (Tamkeen). In employment, the exhibition hosts pavilions for companies and recruitment agencies focused on attracting graduates and providing employment and field‑training opportunities. It also features the Ministry’s vacancy bank alongside a presentation of training opportunities available at the Ministry. On this occasion, Humaidan underscored the importance of the Bahrain Exhibition for Training and Education Pre‑Employment for students poised to enter the labour market. The event enables them to identify, first‑hand, market needs for technical and in‑demand skills and introduces job seekers to private‑sector training and educational opportunities. He noted that successive changes in the labour market and the emergence of professional patterns differing from traditional jobs require prospective graduates to be familiar with these developments and informed about appropriate training outcomes that meet employers’ needs. His Excellency further noted that such qualitative initiatives in organising specialised exhibitions align with the Government’s objectives to link education and training outcomes with labour‑market needs, thereby strengthening mechanisms for employing citizens in private‑sector establishments. He emphasised that Bahrain’s labour market is witnessing qualitative growth and development, supported by the Government across productive sectors. For her part, Shaikha Noura bint Khalifa Al Khalifa commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for the exhibition's success, noting the Ministry’s success in maintaining unemployment within safe and stable limits through numerous programmes and initiatives aimed at making national human resources the preferred choice for employers. Shaikha Noura expressed optimism regarding forthcoming opportunities for Bahraini youth, in light of economic policies designed to preserve the Kingdom’s competitive advantages, attract investment and create an optimal, safe environment grounded in legislative and legal systems. The exhibition’s co‑organiser, Mr Hussein Mohammed Habib, stated that the event has attracted major companies and institutions with vacancies and opportunities across various disciplines. He added that efforts have been made to expand the exhibition’s impact by facilitating on‑site job interviews or field‑training opportunities for companies and job seekers, including recent graduates and final‑year university students.
Humaidan meets the President of the Islamic Society Sheikh Abdul Latif Al-Mahmoud
16-02-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Islamic Society, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif Mahmoud Al Mahmoud, in his office. During the meeting, the Islamic Society's diverse activities related to social and charitable responsibility were reviewed, as well as the Society's contribution to promoting the principles of community partnership in conjunction with relevant official bodies, most notably the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. On this occasion, Humaidan praised the Islamic Society's innovative activities, programmes, and initiatives, noting that they are capable of anticipating the needs of Society and working to meet them in co‑operation with official institutions in the Kingdom. This initiative aims to enhance the level of services provided within the framework of a complementary relationship, and to overcome the challenges it faces, thereby enabling it to fulfil its assigned role in serving the community. He affirmed his full and ongoing support for civil society organisations. For his part, Al Mahmoud praised the unlimited support provided to charitable organisations by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, emphasising the contribution of this constructive co‑operation to the provision of the best community services. He also commended the facilities provided by the Ministry to support humanitarian and charitable work in the Kingdom.
MLSD Minister discusses with the President of the National Institution for Human Rights care and protection services for different groups of society
15-02-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairperson of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), Ms Maria Khoury, accompanied by the Chairman of the Institution’s Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Dr Hameed Ahmed Hussein; the Chairman of the Bahrain Autism Society, Mr Sayed Zakaria Hashem; and a representative of the parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Mr Wahab Al Shuwaikh. During the meeting, the various services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development were reviewed, aimed at preserving the rights of all segments and categories of society, alongside care, rehabilitation and protection services for individuals and families—especially those directed towards persons with disabilities of various types, the elderly and destitute. The services provided by the Ministry to those with autism spectrum disorder were also discussed, through the centres affiliated with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development or the civil centres supported by the Ministry. The meeting further referred to the recent report of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the Kingdom of Bahrain, which included international praise for the legislative and executive measures achieved to preserve children’s rights in the Kingdom. On this occasion, Humaidan commended the efforts of the National Institution for Human Rights, stressing that the establishment of the institution came in implementation of the principles of the comprehensive reform process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, and the keenness of the wise government to protect the rights of all citizens and residents. He noted the level of constructive co‑operation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the National Institution for Human Rights. For her part, Khoury commended the services and initiatives provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for Bahraini workers, as well as for all segments of society. She emphasised the need to strengthen co‑operation between the two sides for the common good and to fulfil the shared national endeavour to secure rights and provide a decent living for citizens in this prosperous era.
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labor and Social Development.. Fazaa Youth Association organizes a party on the occasion of its second founding anniversary
14-02-2020
Under the patronage of His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Faz’at Youth Association held a celebration to mark its second anniversary at the Al Ayam Media Centre in Janabiya. The Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development at the Ministry, Mr Khalid Abdul Rahman Al Kooheji, was delegated to attend the ceremony. The celebration included a review of the association's most significant achievements since its establishment, highlighting its contributions to promoting good citizenship and its initiatives in supporting volunteer work among youth groups. A number of the association’s members were also honoured, and an exhibition was opened to highlight its achievements on this occasion. Mr Al Kooheji delivered a speech in which he emphasised the importance of volunteer work among Bahraini youth, which reflects their love for their country and community. He noted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s rich experience in volunteer work, extending back decades. He added that the large number of volunteers, whether in volunteer teams or associations, reflects the Bahraini community’s love for volunteer work and the spirit of social solidarity. He emphasised that volunteer work aims to serve the nation, calling on youth cadres to implement programmes and projects that serve the community, and praised the Faz’at Shabab and its role in instilling the values of citizenship. For his part, the President of the Association, Mr Jassim Abdulrahman Al Marisi, delivered a speech in which he said that Bahrain is among the advanced countries in encouraging youth to develop, modernise and innovate in various fields under the comprehensive reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him. He praised the youth movement in the Kingdom to confront the challenges they face and limit their participation in development and production, noting the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for youth organisations and its keenness to advance their development programmes and initiatives.
MLSD Minister receives a copy of master's thesis assessing the public perception of value-added tax in Bahrain
13-02-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Mr Mahmoud Adnan Ibrahim in his office today (Thursday), a financial analyst at the Ministry, who presented him with a copy of his Master’s thesis in Business Administration, obtained from Ahlia University, entitled “An Evaluation of the General Perception of Value Added Tax in the Kingdom of Bahrain”. The Master’s thesis examines the history, origins, and purpose of this type of tax, its application, and the expected positive and negative impacts on individuals, institutions, and the national economy when this type of tax is implemented in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The thesis is based on accredited financial reports, international research and studies, as well as questionnaires and interviews with various segments of society, including academics, specialised professionals, and citizens. His Excellency the Minister commended the employee’s efforts in preparing his Master’s thesis and obtaining this academic degree. He also commended the studies that support the efforts, plans, and programmes related to economic development in the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasising the importance of supporting researchers’ efforts to enrich the vital contemporary issues facing society.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child issues its final report on the rights of the child in the Kingdom
12-02-2020
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child commended the combined fourth to sixth periodic reports of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the protection of children's rights, noting and welcoming the progress made by the Kingdom in various areas, particularly the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2011. In this context, it appreciated the legislative and institutional measures to implement the Convention, particularly with regard to the issuance of the Child Law in 2012, the Family Law in 2017, the National Strategy for Childhood 2013–2017, which was extended for a subsequent five‑year period, the National Youth Strategy, and the establishment of the National Institution for Human Rights in 2014. At the same time, it welcomed the increased budgetary resources allocated to the National Committee for Childhood to implement all requirements to guarantee children's rights, and the adoption of various measures to promote the rights of children with disabilities, as well as the significant progress made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of health and education. This was set out in the report of the concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), following the Committee’s 80th session, during which the Kingdom of Bahrain’s executive measures to ensure the protection of children and the preservation of their rights were discussed, as set out in the Kingdom’s combined fourth‑to‑sixth periodic report, during the period from 18–21 January 2019, in Geneva, in accordance with Article 44 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the Kingdom of Bahrain ratified in 1992. The Kingdom of Bahrain participated with a delegation headed by His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Committee for Childhood, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, and including the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabr Al Dosari, and the Head of the Permanent Bahraini Diplomatic Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Dr Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, together with senior officials from a number of ministries and official bodies concerned with children’s rights, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, the Supreme Council for Women, the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, in addition to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. In its concluding report, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child commended the high‑level and co‑operative dialogue that took place during the discussions between the Kingdom’s delegation and the Chair and members of the Committee. It noted the prompt and reliable response to all the questions and enquiries posed by the Committee members to the Bahraini delegation, which contributed to presenting a clear picture of the reality of children’s rights in Bahrain. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the level of representation in the Bahraini delegation, which included representatives of most of the official bodies and organisations concerned with children’s rights and ensuring their care, protection and development, which led to a rich discussion and effective answers to all the enquiries raised. The Committee also commended the establishment of the Supreme Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities and the adoption of the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities and the National Strategy for Special Education, stressing the need to continue promoting a human rights‑based approach to disability. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Committee for Childhood, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, extended his sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, on this great achievement, and on the praise of the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the legislative, executive and human rights measures taken to achieve the best reality for children’s rights, which contributed to raising the name of Bahrain high, and placing it among the ranks of countries committed to protecting human rights, and children’s rights in particular, which was achieved thanks to the directives of the King and his generous support for all measures aimed at achieving these goals, in light of the progress of His Majesty’s comprehensive reform project. He stressed at the same time that the remarkable progress achieved by the Kingdom in protecting and preserving children’s rights would not have been achieved but for the full support received by all parties concerned with childhood affairs from His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the support and tireless efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. May God bless them and protect them, and their full support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and their absolute belief in preserving the rights of the child, protecting him and raising him in the desired manner. In a related context, Humaidan stressed that the recent praise of the Committee on the Rights of the Child for what has been achieved in Bahrain regarding family protection, specifically the issuance of the Family Law, which has guaranteed the stability of the family and, consequently, its ability to raise promising children and achieve a safe childhood, would not have been achieved without the full support and great care of 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, who has pushed with all diligence to achieve these goals and work to protect the family at all levels and by all means and methods. He also noted the role of the Royal Charity Organisation in caring for and protecting orphans and widows, which had a profound impact in attracting the attention of members of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and praising what has been achieved in this regard. The periodic report, which the Kingdom of Bahrain presented during its review and discussion sessions at the 80th session meetings of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, indicated Bahrain’s keenness to provide high‑quality health care and services to all children without discrimination, as many achievements were made at the health level, such as reducing the mortality rate of children under five years of age, and reducing the rate of maternal deaths during childbirth, by providing high‑quality health services in accordance with the standards and recommendations of the World Health Organisation. The report also included indicators confirming the Kingdom's interest in ensuring that all children of both sexes enjoy their right to free, advanced education. Children with disabilities also received significant attention, embodied in the implementation of policies, legislation and programmes that promote the health, development, protection, participation and integration of children with disabilities into public life without any discrimination between them and their peers. The report also included ensuring the free care, education and rehabilitation of children with disabilities, and providing them with all the social, psychological, medical, educational and vocational services that enable them to integrate into society with ease and convenience. In the latest achievement in ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities, the Kingdom of Bahrain has approved a decision by the Council of Ministers granting employees or workers with severe disabilities, or those caring for a person or child with severe disabilities who requires special care from their first‑degree relatives, two hours of paid rest per day. To achieve the goals of protecting and caring for children and safeguarding their rights, the Kingdom of Bahrain pays great attention to the family, considering it the first fundamental building block in the sound social upbringing of children. Those about to get married are provided with the basic concepts of married life, and are provided with daily family reconciliation and guidance services. Family disputes are settled and avoided before resorting to the courts. This is achieved through cooperation between public and private sector institutions in the field of family guidance and reconciliation, creating an integrated electronic system that contributes to the protection of families and children. This is in addition to the great attention given to children of unknown parentage and children from broken families, who are provided with all aspects of integrated social, educational, psychological, health and living care within the framework of partnership and social responsibility between the public and private sectors. The Kingdom of Bahrain is also keen, as stated in its periodic report, to issue a Restorative Justice Law, through the approved legislative instruments, and within the framework of measures aimed at harmonising Bahraini law with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Kingdom of Bahrain has been keen to develop and update its legislative system related to children and juveniles to be consistent with all national laws and international instruments to which the Kingdom of Bahrain is a party, by embedding them in a unified draft law called the “Restorative Justice Law,” which is currently under study in preparation for its presentation and issuance through the legislative instrument stipulated in the Constitution. The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken pioneering steps in the field of child protection and care through a number of initiatives and procedures, most notably the establishment of the Child Protection Centre and the Child Helpline (998), to receive reports of any child being subjected to abuse, physical or psychological harm, neglect, or sexual assault, to deal with these reports as required and provide guidance and referral services to the relevant authorities if necessary, in addition to the formation of a juvenile court in which the child’s privacy has been taken into account, in a location separate from the rest of the courts with the aim of instilling reassurance in the soul of the juvenile child, in a manner appropriate to the age group before it. Bahrain's achievements in protecting children's rights, including legislative and executive measures, as well as the launch of various initiatives, have borne positive and clear fruit, as evidenced by the commendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which was held at the Committee's headquarters in Geneva in January 2019. This conference was the culmination of Bahrain's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to child protection and international treaties. The Committee on the Rights of the Child issued some recommendations in its concluding observations report, stressing the need to continue to implement children's rights in accordance with the Convention and its Optional Protocols at all stages of the implementation process of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while ensuring the continued effective participation of children in the design and implementation of policies and programmes aimed at achieving all 17 goals with regard to children. The Committee also recommended the need to continue strengthening efforts to provide capacity building and ongoing training for professional groups working with and for children, including parliamentarians, judges, lawyers, law enforcement officials, health personnel, teachers, social workers, media workers, and employees of relevant ministries. These recommendations are fully consistent with the Kingdom’s future directions to continue and strengthen procedures and measures to safeguard children’s rights within the framework of the Action Plan and follow‑up on the implementation of the National Strategy for Childhood, and to continue following up on all international initiatives, efforts, and expertise, within the framework of close co‑operation with the governmental and non-governmental sectors in the Kingdom.
Introductory meeting for NGOs about the Sheikha Hessa Bint Salman Al Khalifa Award for Youth Voluntary Work
11-02-2020
The NGOs Support Centre, affiliated with the Directorate of NGOs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Women, held an introductory meeting on the Shaikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa Award for Voluntary Youth Work today, Saturday, at the centre’s hall in Juffair. The meeting was attended by several civil society organisations registered with the Ministry. During the lecture, Mr Duaij Al Amer, an equal opportunities specialist at the Supreme Council for Women, reviewed the award’s main objectives, which revolve around spreading and promoting the concept of volunteer work culture and highlighting its moral value as a national and humanitarian duty. He also highlighted the role of individuals and groups in achieving achievements, creativity and sustainability in volunteer work projects, as well as fostering a spirit of competition and highlighting youth initiatives in implementing distinguished projects aimed at serving the community. Al Amer also addressed the conditions for applying for the award, including that the participant must be of Bahraini nationality, between the ages of 18 and 35, and that the participating collective artworks must be under a legal umbrella, i.e. affiliated with an educational institution, university, or civil society organisation. He explained that the award’s fields are based on the best volunteer work at the individual level and the best volunteer work at the group level.
MLSD Minister: Organizing ten diverse employment fairs in 2019.. Employment fairs last year hired 2,652 Bahrainis in private sector establishments
10-02-2020
In light of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him, issued during the Cabinet session last Monday, to continue efforts aimed at creating new, qualitative and value‑added job opportunities for citizens, and to intensify initiatives and projects that contribute to enhancing employment for job seekers, and his directives, may God protect him, on the necessity of holding periodic employment fairs, this followed a review by His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, before the Cabinet last week of a series of employment fairs organised by the Ministry during 2018, which ranged between general employment fairs and specialised exhibitions, and the good results achieved in terms of employing national workers in private‑sector establishments. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, made a statement in which he discussed the most prominent projects and indicators achieved by these Job Fairs. The Ministry organised seven Job Fairs in 2018, in which 288 establishments participated. The number of vacancies offered by the establishments, along with the Ministry’s vacancy bank, amounted to 6,299. The number of Bahraini employees attending the Job Fairs totalled 2,652 job seekers of both genders. Training opportunities were also provided for job seekers in coordination with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), through the presentation of 500 training programmes aimed at qualifying citizen job seekers in line with the needs of employers for national competencies. He indicated that more than 6,239 job seekers benefited from the programmes and training courses offered during 2018. His Excellency the Minister revealed the details of the results of the seven Job Fairs, explaining that between 11 and 12 January 2018, a Job Fair in the engineering sector for women was held in co‑operation with the Supreme Council for Women, with the participation of 30 establishments. During the Job Fair, 266 female engineering job seekers were employed, in addition to employing others in technical positions related to engineering fields. He emphasised the Ministry’s interest in allocating several specialised Job Fairs for women, as part of enhancing the integration of Bahraini women into various specialised and productive sectors. In April 2018, a specialised Job Fair was organised in the education sector, with the participation of 40 establishments. This Job Fair resulted in the employment of 434 job seekers of both genders in various educational sectors, including schools, institutes, academies, and private universities in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the fair period. In this context, the Ministry cooperated with the Ministry of Education and the private education sector to integrate citizens into administrative, technical, and educational positions in these institutions. On 18 April 2018, the Ministry, in co‑operation with Lulu Hypermarket, organised a Job Fair in the retail sector, with the participation of 47 establishments. The Ministry was able to employ 590 Bahrainis of both genders at this Job Fair in retail and administrative positions in the commercial sector, which reflected the extent of positive co‑operation between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and private‑sector establishments, within the framework of strengthening community partnership towards increasing employment and integration of national workers into the labour market, and within the framework of diversifying the targeted sectors for employment. The second Job Fair was organised in the private health sector between 4 and 5 July 2018, with the participation of 41 establishments. During this Job Fair, 346 Bahrainis of both genders were employed in institutions during the fair period, whether in specialised positions for doctors or other medical and technical support positions, in co‑operation with the Ministry of Health. On 1–2 August 2018, the Ministry held a general Job Fair with the participation of 65 establishments. This resulted in the employment of 686 citizens seeking employment during the fair. The Ministry also held a Job Fair in the hospitality, tourism, and services sector between 4 and 5 October last year, with the participation of 35 establishments. The Job Fair resulted in the employment of 293 Bahrainis of both genders in various positions required by the hospitality, tourism, and services sectors, with the participation of the Economic Development Board (EDB). As part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s focus on employing Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination) in various productive sectors, the Ministry dedicated a Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities on 11–12 October 2018, with the participation of 34 establishments. 37 citizens of both genders were employed during the Job Fair. In this context, Humaidan pointed out that the success of Job Fairs in increasing the number of jobs offered, improving their quality and the specified wages over the past years, came thanks to the ongoing co‑operation between the Ministry and various economic and commercial sectors, which led to the strengthening of employment activity in the private sector. He noted that the recruitment process for the jobs offered at these Job Fairs did not stop after their holding periods, but rather continued to meet the needs of exhibitors according to the usual recruitment procedures. He called on all productive sectors in the Kingdom to intensify co‑operation with the Ministry to implement initiatives aimed at integrating citizens into the private sector, stressing at the same time that the national element has proven its efficiency in various productive sectors. His Excellency the Minister affirmed that, in light of the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister, may God protect him, and the interest and follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect him, during the last regular session, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will intensify its initiatives and projects that contribute to raising employment rates in the private‑sector, in co‑operation with employers by providing the qualified Bahraini workforce that employers need. It will also launch several initiatives to ensure the success of plans and enhance employment mechanisms, including holding general and specialised Job Fairs during the current year 2019, which will contribute to keeping unemployment rates within safe limits. In this context, Humaidan announced the preparation of an integrated plan to hold 10 Job Fairs during the year, pointing out that the Job Fairs held by the Ministry during the past year were evaluated, and the positive aspects were monitored, as the Ministry will work to develop these Job Fairs to achieve their goals in line with the rapid changes in the labour market, which is witnessing growth and attracting investments, which generates many qualitative jobs for citizens in the private‑sector, stressing the importance of optimal investment in Bahraini human resources, pointing out that Job Fairs are a suitable opportunity for employers to obtain what they need from national cadres, as well as for job seekers to choose the job opportunities that suit them, through direct meetings with representatives of the establishments participating in these Job Fairs. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, noted that the first Job Fair of the year will be held in February, designated for women seeking part‑time employment. He emphasised that this Job Fair will particularly benefit housewives, as it will showcase job vacancies for short hours that suit women's social circumstances. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, concluded his statement by emphasising that the plan to organise Job Fairs throughout 2019 includes specialised Job Fairs, namely: a Job Fair for the industrial and engineering sectors, another for the education sector, a Job Fair for the financial, accounting, and medical sectors, in addition to a Job Fair for the hotel, tourism, and services sectors, as well as other Job Fairs for the retail sector.
Humaidan discusses the needs of the people of the seventh district in the Northern Governorate with PM Al-Dimistani
07-02-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met yesterday, Thursday, at the Ministry with Mr Ahmed Yousef Al Dimistani, and a delegation from residents of the Seventh Constituency in the Northern Governorate, together with representatives of Al Janabiyah Charity Society, Dumistan Social Charity Society, Bouri Charity Society, Al Qurayya Charity Society, and the Bouri Parents’ Home. The meeting reviewed the projects and initiatives implemented by the Ministry in the fields of labour and development. The Minister also received a commemorative shield in appreciation from the aforementioned charitable societies. During the meeting, Humaidan reviewed the Ministry’s efforts in employment, and in providing protection and social care for various segments of Bahraini society to ensure a dignified life for them, as well as developing the capabilities of the national workforce and improving its productivity in private‑sector establishments. Humaidan stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Council of Representatives, in an effort to continue development and social progress in the Kingdom. He praised the role of the esteemed Council of Representatives in supporting national legislation related to the Ministry’s work, welcoming proposals and initiatives that enhance developmental and labour aspects for individuals and segments of society, calling on civil society organisations to enhance their role in cooperating with the Ministry, especially in spreading awareness of the services provided to citizens and informing them of the rights guaranteed to them by law. For his part, MP Al Dimistani commended the Ministry’s efforts to provide suitable job opportunities for young people, invest in their energies, develop their careers, and raise their wages to make them the preferred choice for employers. He also praised the development of various social welfare programmes and services, all within the framework of implementing the government’s policy aimed at ensuring a decent standard of living for citizens and providing them with the best services with ease and convenience.
Humaidan discusses ways to enhance cooperation in the labor and development fields with PM Al-Salloum
06-02-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met today, Wednesday, at the Ministry with MP Ahmed Sabah Al Saloom, to discuss ways to enhance joint co‑operation to serve development and social projects and initiatives in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, a number of labour and social issues were discussed, which would enhance co‑operation and coordination with the legislative authority, in an effort to continue the development and social process in the Kingdom. In this context, Humaidan praised the Council of Representatives’ approval of the Government Action Plan (2019-2022) as a blessed step towards achieving the shared aspirations of the legislative and executive authorities, to continue building and moving forward in translating the lofty visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, for a more prosperous and growing future for Bahrain and its people. He stressed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in light of the directives issued by the esteemed Cabinet, is constantly seeking to implement development projects that guarantee a decent life for various categories and segments of society, in addition to working to strengthen partnerships with civil society institutions, as well as integrating and improving the national workforce professionally in private‑sector establishments. For his part, MP Al Saloom praised the positive spirit that prevailed during the government‑parliamentary meetings and consultations, leading to the approval of the government's work programme and the plans and initiatives it included aimed at enhancing national gains. He noted the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to provide distinguished development services in the fields of labour and welfare services, stressing the importance of strengthening co‑operation between the legislative and executive authorities, given its positive impact that is reflected in everyone's interests.
In a meeting of the concerned authorities.. Al-Dosari: An action plan for professional guidance and direction
05-02-2020
The National Committee for Vocational Guidance Counselling, chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr Sabah Salem Al Dossari, met today, Monday, at the Ministry’s headquarters to review progress on the National Career Guidance and Counselling Plan for the Kingdom of Bahrain, including the achievements, performance indicators and objectives of the Committee’s working teams. During the meeting, Al Dossari stressed the importance of developing vocational and career guidance in line with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him, to make Bahraini citizens the first and best choice for employers. This is achieved by optimally qualifying them to enter the labour market, focusing on developing the individual to integrate into society and preparing them for a better life in which they become more productive and appreciative of work, by directing them correctly to labour‑market requirements and needs. He noted that the Committee has established scientific foundations for preparing a national plan for vocational guidance and counselling, which includes a general work programme and executive programmes for each of the relevant official bodies, including the inclusion of vocational guidance and counselling in educational curricula at various educational levels, which will be reflected in linking educational outcomes to the actual needs of the labour market for qualified national competencies and cadres in various productive sectors. Al Dossari pointed out that, through coordination between the relevant ministries and official bodies, efforts will be made to direct trainees and job seekers towards optimal quality training, job types, and the labour market’s needs for appropriate manpower, as well as choosing promising career and vocational specialisations. Young job seekers will also be educated about the skills required for job opportunities and vacancies, and will be involved in training programmes that qualify them to fill the positions offered by private‑sector companies and institutions. The most prominent challenges facing the Committee’s working teams were also reviewed, in addition to discussing the visions and work plans for the coming period. It was emphasised that it is necessary to continue formulating and programming the career guidance and counselling process, starting from the individual’s foundational years in the pre‑school stage, through school in its three stages and beyond, so that this process aims to enable the individual to identify his inclinations, desires and abilities, and then choose the most appropriate profession that is most in harmony with his personality.
Humaidan receives a set of legal books by the writer Al-Siddiqi
04-02-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammad Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met with writer Ali Faisal Al Siddiqi, who presented him with a collection of legal publications, at his office at the Ministry. The collection includes three books: (The Content of the Contract between Personalism and Objectivity), (History of political and legal system in Dilmun civilization), and (The Principle of the Authenticity of the Contract). In this collection, the author addresses the historical aspects of drafting contracts, in addition to the legal and rights aspects of the two parties to the contract, reviewing in this context the jurisprudential and judicial efforts. In addition, these books contain practical aspects of this topic, and how to employ objective standards far from personal whims in drafting contracts, whether these contracts are commercial or otherwise. During the meeting, Humaidan praised the author's efforts in addressing these important legal and legislative topics, noting that these books constitute a significant resource for the Bahraini library and those interested in legislative issues. He emphasised that the trend among Bahraini youth to write books in various disciplines reflects their desire to develop their intellectual skills, their love of reading and learning, and their knowledge of information to contribute effectively to the development of Bahraini society. For his part, Al Siddiqi expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Minister for his support of the intellectual and literary movement and Bahraini authors, which motivates them to advance in the field of writing and authorship.
In a meeting held at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.. Completing the preparation of the initial conception of the tasks and responsibilities of the joint charitable work committee in the
03-02-2020
The working group mandated to develop a vision for the roles and responsibilities of the Joint Charitable Work Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a meeting chaired by the Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, Mr Khalid Abdulrahman Ishaq Al Kooheji, in the main meeting hall of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in Manama. The meeting was attended by Mrs Najwa Abdul Latif Janahi, Director of the Non‑Government Organisations (NGOs) Support, who subsequently chaired the meeting sessions. Representatives from brotherly countries, as well as representatives of the GCC General Secretariat and the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs of the GCC countries, participated in the meeting. During the meeting, future plans and programmes for joint Gulf action in the field of charitable work were discussed, as well as coordination and cooperation in the areas of charitable work. It was also agreed to establish the committee’s responsibilities, exchange expertise and experiences, and benefit from the systems and laws in force in this field in the member states. Mechanisms for providing joint charitable humanitarian aid between the GCC countries to some afflicted and impoverished nations were also studied, in addition to organising forums for humanitarian work and inviting representatives of donor government agencies in the GCC countries (public benefit associations of a charitable nature) to be a platform where Gulf expertise meets, information is exchanged, and through which charitable work in its charitable and relief aspects is coordinated. On this occasion, the Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development stated that the meeting stems from the keenness of the Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC countries to support the path of joint charitable work, raise the level of services provided in this field, and achieve the highest levels of benefit according to a methodology based on assessing needs, setting priorities, and studying the conditions related to charitable work in a way that achieves its objectives and avoids the waste of resources. He pointed out that charitable work in the GCC countries has a long history, and it is now time for it to evolve into professional charitable work, providing distinguished services to those who deserve them.
On calculating unemployment rates.. Written by: Jamil bin Muhammad Ali Humaidan.. Minister of Labor and Social Development
02-02-2020
The definition and specification of the term “unemployment” or unemployment rates, and how they are calculated in our society and across various societies, have been the subject of controversy and multiple interpretations, with the latter being either raised or lowered. This underscores the urgent need to adopt a clear, decisive and approved definition of the term, as well as to set out the international, legislative and local standards and requirements necessary to resolve disputes and accurately and credibly define concepts and principles, thus resolving any controversy surrounding them. This is in addition to formulating action plans and programmes aimed at addressing unemployment and reducing its rates on sound and realistic bases. Definition of “Unemployed” The term “unemployed” is an important term that has been defined and circumscribed by international experts, lawyers and specialists in the field of labour, to determine who is unemployed. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted a comprehensive definition that eliminates any ambiguity, according to which a person may be included in the list of unemployed. Not everyone who is not employed is considered unemployed according to the definition of unemployment. There are conditions and regulations that define the meaning to avoid ambiguity. Accordingly, the question arises: what definition is adopted by the competent labour authority represented by the ILO? The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has defined unemployment as "any person who is not working, is able to work, is willing to work, is actively seeking work, and is not engaged in any professional or commercial activity." Based on this, the countries affiliated with the ILO have adhered to this definition, as it identifies the actual unemployed. Countries seeking sustainable development cannot allow this term to remain vague or ambiguous. Therefore, we see the first building blocks of combating unemployment as the initiative to codify and formalise the true meaning of unemployment, so that it becomes the focus and goal of solutions. Legislative Decree No. 78 of 2006 with respect to Insurance Against Unemployment—which aligns with international labour standards—sets out the definition of who is unemployed, as referenced in Articles (10) and (17) of Chapters Three and Four of the Law, including that the person be able and willing to work, not be a student or retired, not be engaged in a commercial or professional business on his own account, and be seriously seeking work in accordance with established conditions and controls. He must also enrol in the prescribed training, attend regularly and pass successfully. Registration of Job Seekers and Assessment of Seriousness This is undertaken in employment centres in the Kingdom’s governorates, which are electronically linked to the database of the Information and e‑Government Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO). Upon registering job seekers and accessing the e‑government database, it is verified that the applicant is of legal working age, is not employed, has no commercial record, and is not a student. After submitting supporting documents and proving that he meets the established conditions, the applicant is registered as a job seeker with the Ministry and benefits from three services or privileges as follows: Unemployment benefits and compensation A job seeker, upon registering, receives unemployment allowance for the first time. This allowance is a monthly financial sum of 150 dinars for university graduates and 120 dinars for non‑university graduates. For those who have previously worked and were dismissed from their jobs, unemployment compensation is immediately available upon registering as a job seeker. This is a monthly financial sum equal to 60% of their salary. The allowance and compensation continue to be paid subject to periodic review by the Ministry or its employment centres, in addition to other eligibility requirements. Free training and qualification for job seekers One of the benefits available to job seekers upon registration is free training and qualification. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in cooperation with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), offers over 500 skills-based and professional training programmes for job seekers of both genders and at various educational levels. It also mentors and coaches them to the best training programmes that match the job seeker's qualifications and interests, as well as to bridge the skills gap between education and training outcomes and the actual labour market needs for qualified workers. Accordingly, job seekers are obligated to complete the training programme they voluntarily choose to improve their professional skills. The unemployment benefit or compensation will continue to be paid during the training period, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the law. Offering Employment Opportunities Among the benefits that job seekers receive upon registration is that the employment counsellor arranges interview dates, summons job seekers, and offers them suitable jobs generated by the electronic employment system after matching the job seeker's qualifications and information with the vacancies available in the Ministry's vacancy bank. During the first visit, the job seeker is offered more than one suitable job, up to five. If the jobs offered during the first visit are rejected, they are invited to a second visit to be offered several suitable job opportunities. If suitable job opportunities are rejected during the second visit due to the job seeker's desire to work exclusively in the public sector or for any other unconvincing reason, the job seeker's file is closed due to a lack of seriousness. They can file a grievance with a specialised grievance committee if they feel the job opportunities offered are not suitable for them and have convincing justifications. If the grievance is accepted, the job seeker is offered suitable job opportunities again and is nominated for job interviews, as was the case the first time. According to this system, anyone who completes the specified period for receiving unemployment benefits or compensation and has not yet been employed is not excluded from the unemployment list. They remain listed as a number when calculating unemployment indicators. The Ministry's employment and training services remain available even if individuals become ineligible for unemployment benefits or compensation for any reason. Therefore, anyone who fails to register as a job seeker with the Ministry and waives the aforementioned benefits (financial, training, and job opportunities) offered by the Ministry to job seekers is not counted on the unemployment list or in calculating unemployment rates, according to the Unemployment Insurance Law or even according to international standards. Their seriousness cannot be measured, noting that most employers require job seekers to be registered with the Ministry to be eligible for benefits offered by the Ministry, such as wage subsidies, wage improvements, training, and other benefits. Role of active State policies in attracting investment and creating opportunities Among the most vital and effective factors in the success of employment programmes and reducing unemployment rates are policies that attract investment and international companies, create more job opportunities, and position Bahrain as a hub for their businesses in the region. These are policies that have enabled Bahrain to achieve remarkable accomplishments and success stories, and their role and effectiveness in supporting ongoing employment efforts cannot be overlooked. These accomplishments enjoy the generous patronage of the government, headed by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, may God protect him, and the diligent and personal follow‑up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect him. Unemployment Insurance Law's Reference in Determining the Seriousness of a Job Seeker The definition of job seekers in the Unemployment Insurance Law is consistent with international labour standards. Since its issuance, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been working in accordance with this law. The unemployment rate is calculated based on the number of unemployed persons who meet the requirements, including those eligible for unemployment benefits and compensation. Consequently, the Unemployment Insurance Law has become a primary reference for defining a job seeker who is included in the list of the unemployed. This law, along with other ministerial decisions regulating the legislative infrastructure, has effectively established a comprehensive and credible database, particularly Ministerial Resolution No. (15) of 2007 regarding the conditions and controls for the seriousness of a job seeker's search for eligibility for unemployment benefits or compensation. The most important of these controls are not rejecting suitable job opportunities, committing to visiting employment offices, and not refusing scheduled training. The unemployed must also be provided with work principles and ethics, such as ensuring a decent appearance during job interviews, preparing a CV, and other controls to demonstrate seriousness. How is the unemployment rate calculated? To determine unemployment rates according to the aforementioned regulatory standards and controls, and given that the total national workforce is 188,724 citizens according to the Information and eGovernment Authority (which is the sum of the total number of insured Bahraini workers according to data from the Social Insurance Organization (SIO), in addition to the remaining uninsured workers who are self‑employed, such as taxi and bus drivers, driving instructors, fishing licence holders, and others, as well as self‑employed unit owners such as lawyers, doctors, and others according to the Information and eGovernment Authority), if the average number of monthly unemployed people during the year 2018, which amounted to 8,399 job seekers, is added to this, the total national workforce becomes 197,123 citizens. Using a simple calculation, the unemployment rate is calculated by dividing the number of job seekers, 8,399, by the total number of national workers, 197,123 citizens. The resulting division results in an unemployment rate of 4.3% for the year 2018 (8,399 ÷ 197,123 = 4.3%). Can the unemployment rate be zero? This is a common misconception, one that many people often ask. No country, regardless of its level of development, whether developed or developing, can achieve zero unemployment. A 0% unemployment rate means that the country has no education and training graduates constantly flowing into the labour market, waiting to be recruited. It also means that there are no people leaving or being fired from their jobs or seeking better job opportunities. This effectively means that there is no real labour market, subject to the system of supply and demand. The labour market must be constantly dynamic, with workers entering, leaving, and rotating. It is natural for workers to leave their jobs to move to jobs with higher benefits. Investment cannot grow without a workforce seeking employment. The presence of an unemployment rate is an indicator of the dynamism and development of a country's labour market. Therefore, all government efforts worldwide are not aimed at zeroing unemployment, but rather at maintaining it at a minimum, safe, and stable level. This is a healthy and natural state of affairs, reflecting the strength and cohesion of the labour market and its ability and readiness to welcome new graduates, or the departure of others for any reason within the natural cycle of the labour market. Why do survey and questionnaire results differ in determining unemployment rates? The surveys and questionnaires conducted by some civil society organisations target limited samples and numbers. These organisations also rely on oral information and direct statements from individuals in society without verifying their credibility according to established principles and controls, such as those outlined here. Therefore, survey results may provide useful indicators, but they may not be sufficiently accurate, unlike relying on the controls and standards established by legislation and relying on an accurate and documented database linked to the relevant government agencies. Bahrain: Completing an Integrated System for Monitoring Market Indicators The unemployment issue is a priority in the government's work programme, due to its negative impact on social stability and security. Therefore, Bahrain is one of the leading Arab countries with a structurally and legislatively integrated system for monitoring labour market indicators, most notably employment activity, the number of unemployed, and their qualifications. These indicators reflect the true reality of the labour market, free from fragmented definitions. Accordingly, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development issues comprehensive quarterly bulletins that clarify labour market indicators and specify the numbers of those entering the labour market and those employed, with complete transparency. It also maintains an integrated system of databases linked to other relevant government agencies, through which those who qualify as "job seekers" are identified and included on the lists of the unemployed. The unemployment insurance system in force in the Kingdom of Bahrain is admired by specialised organisations and many countries around the world, especially since the system offers numerous benefits to job seekers, most notably the provision of unemployment benefits and compensation, access to free specialised training courses tailored to labour market needs, and the provision of suitable and available jobs for the unemployed, benefiting from the opportunities and capabilities available in the Ministry's vacancy bank. Reform Project and Addressing Unemployment Based on this, and with the dawn of the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, and within the framework of labour market reform, the Kingdom of Bahrain has adopted a comprehensive programme to address unemployment, which reached approximately 16% in 2005, with the aim of eliminating the sources and causes of unemployment. The unemployment rate has stabilised within a safe range of 4% over the past ten years. The Ministry, God willing, will continue to launch various initiatives to accelerate the integration of citizens into the private sector, given the annual increase in new graduates from various educational and training institutions.
MLSD Minister iscusses aspects of cooperation with the Bahrain Motivators Association for People with Disabilities
01-02-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with the Chairman of the Bahraini Catalysts Disabilities Association, Mr Riyadh Al Marzouq, and a number of the association’s members yesterday, Wednesday, at his office at the Ministry. During the meeting, areas of cooperation between the two parties were discussed, as well as a review of the most important initiatives implemented by the Bahraini Catalysts Disabilities Association to achieve its goals of supporting People of Determination, discovering their energies and creativity, motivating them, and creating a healthy environment for developing their talents and abilities, in cooperation with various official and civil entities. During the meeting, Mr Riyadh Al Marzouq presented a proposal for a project called “Economic Support and Empowerment of Women with Disabilities,” which aims to integrate them into society and build their capacity to acquire the necessary skills in planning, management, communication and creative thinking, while also assisting them in obtaining facilities that will ensure they achieve their goals and implement their own economic projects. In this context, Humaidan praised the role of the Bahraini Catalysts Disabilities Association in embracing talents among Persons with Disabilities, enhancing their skills, and encouraging them to integrate and participate in various community activities. He noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, based on the principle of community partnership with NGOs concerned with Persons with Disabilities, pays great attention to caring for them and providing them with various types of social, health and cultural care, in addition to training and qualifying them to integrate them into the labour market. Humaidan affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for the association’s proposal, by providing all the services and rehabilitation needs required by Persons with Disabilities, whether by providing prosthetic devices or by involving them in the Ministry’s programmes, such as Khatwa for Productive Families Projects, to qualify and train them to enter the labour market, or by employing them in jobs that match their abilities and academic qualifications. For his part, Al Marzouq praised the support of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development for Persons with Disabilities, commending the services provided by the Ministry to improve the living conditions of this segment of society, which has made numerous contributions and achieved successes. He stressed that the most important challenges facing Persons with Disabilities are enhancing their presence in the labour market and their participation in the production and development process. In this regard, he praised the specialised employment fairs organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for Persons with Disabilities, as these fairs have contributed to increasing their employment.
Ministry of Labor and Social Development achievements in 2019
31-01-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development continued to deliver notable achievements during 2019, both in employment and job‑seeker qualification and in strengthening social care for citizens, within the framework of the Government’s programme. The Ministry advanced its vision to achieve social welfare, provide decent job opportunities, and enhance the work and production environment in private‑sector establishments. It also contributed to the development of national legislation to keep pace with labour‑market developments and the requirements of sustainable development. These achievements were realised in this prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, with the unlimited support of the esteemed Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the continuous follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. Policies and programmes aimed at employing citizens in the private sector and providing all means to qualify human resources and integrate them into the labour market were evident in the launch of the National Employment Programme by Their Highnesses, alongside amendments to labour legislation and continued monetary and moral support for citizens, extending the social‑protection network and upgrading care programmes, projects and activities for all categories and segments of society in the Kingdom of Bahrain. National Employment Program: Under the directives of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the National Employment Programme was launched in February 2019. By the end of 2019, more than 9,000 Bahrainis had been employed through the Programme. Among other initiatives to accelerate citizen employment, 529 suitable professions in demand by university‑graduate job seekers were identified, and the issuance of work permits for these professions was suspended for two weeks to enable the Ministry to negotiate with employers, organise interviews to employ qualified Bahraini cadres, and present the benefits of employing Bahrainis. Employers responded by submitting job applications, selecting Bahraini competencies rather than requesting foreign workers for locally demanded professions. By the end of 2019, more than 1,669 university graduates were employed through this initiative, out of the total employed since the start of the year. Employment fairs: Employment fairs are one of the important mechanisms adopted by the Ministry to integrate job seekers into the private sector. They are general employment fairs and specialized employment fairs. In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to intensify the organization of employment fairs, the year 2019 witnessed the holding of (6) fairs for various specializations and educational levels. These fairs succeeded in achieving their goals of accelerating the pace of employment of citizens seeking work. Modernising labour legislation: The Ministry cooperated with the legislative authority to update labour legislation in line with market developments. Within the National Employment Programme initiatives, Law No. 4 of 2019 amended certain provisions of Decree‑Law No. 78 of 2006 regarding unemployment insurance, increasing the unemployment benefit from 150 to 200 dinars per month for university graduates and from 120 to 150 dinars for non‑university graduates, and extending the duration of benefit and compensation to nine months instead of six months, in addition to increasing compensation for those dismissed and laid off to a maximum of 1,000 dinars instead of 500 dinars per month. In the context of empowering Bahraini women in the labour market and promoting gender equality, Ministerial Decision No. 85 of 2019 determining the cases, works and occasions in which women may not be employed at night, and cancelled Resolution No. 16 of 2013. Training and human development: To develop national cadres in line with actual labour‑market requirements, numerous training projects were designed and implemented to support the employment and qualification of job seekers and workers in private‑sector institutions. The Ministry also created training programmes for secondary‑school and university graduates, as well as school dropouts, at various vocational, technical and specialised levels. The number of beneficiaries reached 4,786 job seekers by the end of September 2019. The Registration in the Training Programme with Job Secure (Dhaman) was launched as an enhanced training programme with guaranteed employment, through which 1,000 Bahrainis have been employed to date, in cooperation with private training institutions, subject to oversight and quality systems. Growth in private training centres and institutes: The private training‑institution sector grew, with 89 licensed training centres and institutes as of last October, including 15 vocational and technical centres and 74 administrative and commercial centres and institutes. Licences for 5 institutions were withdrawn and cancelled for reasons including non‑compliance with Legislative Decree No. (25) of 1998 regarding Private Educational and Training Institutions or at the owner’s request. A total of 85 investors seeking licences to establish private training institutions were interviewed. Regarding training programmes, 1,036 programmes were licensed across several fields, including 208 local programmes, 304 passing programmes, and 524 issued by international donor bodies, in addition to licensing 522 trainers for various institutions. The Ministry enhanced inspection mechanisms to reduce violations, conducting 104 inspection visits to private training institutions, issuing 10 violation reports and 10 warnings. Five institutions rectified violations, while 7 were found practising training without a licence. Unemployment insurance: The unemployment insurance system constitutes a social safety net for job seekers and for unemployment compensation for those laid off from their jobs. It reassures every serious worker and job seeker by providing financial support during periods of unemployment. Accordingly, the Government has developed this system by increasing unemployment benefits and compensation, in addition to extending the duration of both. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development began calculating unemployment benefits for job seekers at 200 dinars per month for university graduates and 150 dinars for non‑university graduates, effective last May, as approved by the Council of Ministers. The Ministry also increased compensation for those laid off to a maximum of 1,000 dinars, instead of 500 dinars. Further, Law No. (4) of 2019 amending some provisions of Legislative Decree No. (78) of 2006 regarding Unemployment Insurance increased the duration of the benefit and compensation to nine months, instead of six months. The number of job seekers eligible for unemployment benefits reached 8,279 as of September 2019, while the number of dismissed employees eligible for unemployment compensation reached 1,192, including 572 males and 620 females. Promoting occupational safety: The Kingdom of Bahrain consistently strives to provide a safe and sound work environment. The esteemed Government has therefore paid increasing attention to promoting occupational safety and health in private‑sector establishments, ensuring continued development of the necessary legislation to safeguard workers at workplaces in line with international labour standards. In this context, the Ministry implemented inspection programmes throughout the year, conducting visits across labour sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing, as well as workers’ accommodation, investigating labour complaints, and preparing a campaign to supervise the work ban for the months of July and August. The total number of inspection visits from the beginning of the year until last November reached 735, including 585 visits to work sites and 70 to workers’ accommodation, whether periodic inspections or in response to labour complaints. Labour inspection: From the beginning of this year until October, labour inspectors conducted 2,962 inspection visits of various types and purposes to ensure implementation of Resolution No. (3) of 2013. A total of 2,778 establishments, comprising 121,347 workers, were inspected. The number of national workers inspected reached 26,118, while foreign workers inspected numbered 95,229. During these visits, 61 violations were issued. Summer work ban: The midday work ban is a decision with humanitarian dimensions consistent with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s respect for human rights in general and workers’ rights in particular. In accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. (3) of 2013 regarding the prohibition of work under direct sunlight during July and August, the Ministry oversees implementation through site monitoring. The total number of inspection visits during this period reached 11,235 across various work sites. This year, the compliance rate rose to 99.5%, while violations decreased to only 56, affecting 148 workers. Inspection campaign to ensure establishments’ commitment to caring for, rehabilitating, and employing persons with disabilities: As part of the Ministry’s commitment to integrating all categories of citizens into the labour market, a special inspection campaign was launched to ensure implementation of Law No. (74) of 2006 regarding the Care and Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. Establishments to which the law applies and employing 50 or more workers were identified and included in inspection visits. From January to October, 514 establishments were visited, and 270 job vacancies for Persons with Disabilities were recorded in 85 establishments. Inspection of workers’ housing: The Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing significant urban development and diversification of commercial and industrial projects, contributing to an increase in expatriate workers and necessitating more suitably equipped housing units. To ensure that workers’ housing under the Ministry’s supervision complies with safety and security specifications, periodic visits were conducted across governorates to verify the necessary requirements for residents’ safety. Within the framework of community partnership and cooperation with relevant agencies, and following the issuance of Resolution No. (45) of 2013 by His Excellency the Minister of Interior, the Ministry, in cooperation with the governorates and concerned authorities, formed field teams in the Capital Governorate to identify buildings and residences posing risks to residents and visitors. These teams visited workers’ residences that had not previously been visited until November, and revisited other residences as part of follow‑up and enforcement of the required measures. Occupational accidents: The total number of occupational accidents reached 255 by November, the majority of which occurred in the construction and building sector, with 99 accidents, followed by the manufacturing sector with 69. Investigations into reported incidents showed most resulted from establishments’ failure to meet occupational safety and health requirements at work sites. The total number of occupational injuries reached 270 until November 2019, including 15 deaths and 90 serious injuries. The construction sector recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 7 deaths. Amicable settlement of labour complaints: As part of its oversight role to maintain labour‑market stability, the Ministry received 10,865 service requests by August 2019, including legal consultations regarding the Labour Law in the Private Sector and the regulatory decisions issued pursuant thereto, as well as requests for resolving labour complaints with the consent of the parties involved. The percentage of complaints resolved by the Ministry amounted to 56.6% of the total number of complaints received. Parties to the dispute are warned to resort to the Labour Court if an amicable solution is not reached. The number of collective labour complaints reached 26, and only one complaint was referred to the Collective Labour Dispute Settlement Council. Labour unions: Since the issuance of Legislative Decree No. (33) of 2002 Promulgating the Workers’ Trade Unions Law and its amendments, the number of labour unions in the Kingdom of Bahrain has reached 117 unions and two labour federations. The Ministry received requests to establish 3 unions during 2019. Honouring diligent workers: As part of efforts to honour the national arms that have contributed to Bahrain’s renaissance in various productive sectors, the Ministry, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, held the 35th ceremony to honour diligent and outstanding workers and distinguished establishments in the private sector. The ceremony honoured entrepreneurs, dedicated national workers, administrators, and establishments that excelled in supporting the Ministry’s programmes in the areas of Bahrainisation, occupational safety, citizen training, and other fields. Community development: Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Encouraging Productive Families: The award ceremony was held this year at the local and regional levels, under the patronage and attendance of Her Highness. The winners were honoured in the categories of Best Productive Family, Best Producer, and Best Supporter of Productive Families. The number of participating local families reached 247, 70% of whom were female, in addition to distinguished entries from 11 Arab countries. This year’s award was directed to local and Arab families with limited income and housewives with the capacity to produce, as well as government and private institutions that support productive family projects, and economic, banking, and commercial institutions and individuals who provide support and sponsorship to family projects. The award included three categories: the first to the Best Productive Family, with the aim of motivating these families to be creative; the second to the Best Producer, with the aim of encouraging and developing products; and the third to the Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive Families. Khatwa Programme for Home‑Based Businesses: The Khatwa Programme for Home‑Based Businesses is one of the most important initiatives. It aims to achieve regulatory controls for productive activities for individuals and productive families by establishing productive homes for those with unique ideas and freelance home‑based businesses. Entrepreneurs are prepared through training courses at the Centre of Excellence for Home‑Based Businesses and the Design and Innovation Centre, facilitating the financing of their projects, supporting their marketing, and preparing them to become sustainable business owners. The number of people who have obtained licences to work from home has reached 666, while total sales of home‑based businesses have reached 395,778 Bahraini dinars. The number of beneficiaries from production units has reached 1,459, and 11,050 individuals have benefited from training programmes. More than 16,000 beneficiaries of social‑centre activities: Social centres have been established in various governorates of the Kingdom to facilitate the provision of services to citizens near residential complexes. Their number has reached 9 social centres. The centres implemented programmes, activities, and events. A total of 485 events were organised and implemented in social, cultural, economic, health, and educational fields, benefiting 22,931 individuals. NGO's Support: Regarding the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for civil society organisations, the number of active and effective civil society organisations this year reached 468 out of 641, and the legal status of 9 associations was corrected. Fundraising licences: The Ministry facilitated the procedures for granting fundraising licences for charitable and humanitarian work. The number of licences reached 147; licences for transferring money abroad reached 212; licences for receiving funds from abroad reached 107; and the number of licences for receiving money without a licence reached 85 by the end of October. Financial Grants for NGOs: Coordination with the Supreme Council for Women in 2019 ensured that priority would be given to development projects that address women’s needs in financial grants for NGOs. A total of 63 NGOs submitted applications for financial grants, and the number of projects submitted to date has reached 89 development projects. Social rehabilitation services: The number of beneficiaries of individual and group family counselling services, counselling, and rehabilitation sessions reached 2,453 individuals. In addition, 54 introductory, preventive, and awareness lectures were provided, benefiting 1,208 individuals of both sexes, by the end of September 2019. A total of 11,590 visits were conducted for children of divorced couples, with an average of 311 families and 484 children visiting through social centres by the end of September 2019. The licences of two private counselling centres were renewed after they met the licensing requirements. Family counselling specialists, who hold judicial police status, carry out oversight and inspection procedures at the five licensed centres. Achievements of the Child Care Home: The Child Care Home provided comprehensive shelter and care services, including healthcare in kindergartens and enrolment in primary school, as part of the home’s educational support. Psychological services were delivered to 26 children through the psychological counsellor at Batelco Child Care Home, the Psychiatric Hospital, and Salmaniya Medical Complex. Nineteen foster children outside the home were followed up through visits, and 42 children’s cases were monitored. Children of unknown parentage were also housed, and a number of children from broken families were handed over to their families. Child Protection Centre: The Centre is the central body responsible for child protection, evaluating and monitoring children exposed to sexual, physical and psychological abuse, and neglect. It also provides protection and facilitates services related to assessment, investigation, treatment and follow‑up for these children, in cooperation with relevant authorities. By the third quarter of this year, the number of beneficiaries of the Centre’s services reached 698 children of both sexes. During the same period, 11 developmental and preventive programmes were provided, benefiting 330 children and adults. Child Support and Helpline 998: This free child support and Helpline line, numbered 998, receives calls from children or others reporting exposure to violence, abuse or danger. It provides telephone counselling, active listening and referral to relevant authorities when necessary. The line receives reports related to children from newborns to eighteen years of age. By the third quarter of 2019, actual cases received totalled 74. Incoming calls reached 1,409, including telephone‑counselling calls and service enquiries. Dar Al Aman achievements: The home receives abused women, Bahraini and non‑Bahraini, and their companions, without discrimination based on nationality, religion or identity. In 2019, services were provided to 66 residents and their 53 companions, covering living services, social, psychological and legal counselling, and varied recreational activities inside and outside the home, with post‑release follow‑up and continued counselling when needed. In line with the Ministry’s commitment to improving citizens’ standard of living and addressing community needs, 1,287 field studies were conducted on citizens of all categories across the Kingdom’s governorates. Care for senior citizens: Under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work, Youth and Sports Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and under the direction of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the term “Elderly” was changed to “Senior Citizens”, reflecting His Highness’s personal interest and belief in enhancing their status and positive role in developing and serving society. As part of enhancing services provided to senior citizens, the Ministry expanded the Yoko Parents’ Home and renovated the building. The new building of the Muharraq Parents Day Care was also inaugurated in 2019. The land allocated for the headquarters of the Bahrain Society for Parents Care was constructed, in addition to providing numerous services to the day clubs for parent care, including health, psychological, social, cultural and recreational programmes. Social Security: 17,069 citizens benefited from social‑security assistance, with a total value of 15,964,900 Bahraini dinars. Disability allowance: 11,824 citizens benefited, with total disbursements amounting to 11,689,800 Bahraini dinars. Compensation for house fires: In 2019, the Ministry compensated 48 people for house fires, with total disbursements amounting to 52,220 Bahraini dinars. Reduction of electricity and water fees: Fees were reduced for 13,233 families benefiting from the social‑assistance system. eServices Indicators Observatory: One of the strategic objectives pursued by the Information Systems Directorate is information security. To that end, the Department initiated the development of the Services Indicators Observatory system, an electronic interface for displaying reports and interactive indicators, enhanced with charts, tables and statistics. This enables Ministry officials to make sound decisions, monitor performance and control indicators based on data from various departments and divisions. The Observatory produces indicators related to services provided by the Ministry, including labour‑complaints registration, job‑seeker services and unemployment benefits. Work is underway to develop indicators for additional services, including employment and unemployment insurance, employment and training agreements, wage support, applications for employment confirmation for national workers, trade unions and federations, vocational institutes, and labour training and arbitration. In conjunction with the announcement of the project to migrate all Bahraini government systems to Amazon Cloud (Cloud First), the Ministry has begun preparing a plan to migrate its servers and systems to the cloud. The Ministry will save at least 50% of the costs associated with purchasing, operating and maintaining these systems, as well as unforeseen costs such as the time required to procure and prepare the required system. Based on the approved transformation plan, the first phase has been completed, migrating the unemployment insurance systems, press monitoring and the Ministry’s website. Work is now under way on the second phase, which will migrate the servers for social assistance, NGOs, social security and financial support. A notable Bahraini presence in Arab and international events: The Ministry continued its active participation at regional and international levels through its presence at numerous conferences and events. During 2019, the Ministry also took part in meetings of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as a full member. In parallel, it worked to strengthen bilateral relations with brotherly and friendly countries through the activation of memoranda of understanding and joint committees.