MLSD Minister: The National Program for Employment contributes to providing employers with national competencies and accelerates their integration into enterprises
20-01-2021
In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has resumed all of its programmes to expand support opportunities for Bahrainis. His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa: Focus on developing national cadres within the framework of new market requirements and data. Humaidan: The programme contributes to providing employers with national competencies and accelerating their integration into establishments. Tamkeen Labour Fund, 20 January 2021: In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to launch National Employment Programme 2.0, the Labour Fund Tamkeen announced the resumption of all its programmes for individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting Bahraini employment—continuing national efforts to develop the labour market and enhance its competitiveness. His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Tamkeen’s Board of Directors, stated that resuming these programmes aligns with government aspirations for the next phase by encouraging the employment of national cadres, including recent graduates, through greater competitiveness and by developing Bahraini talent in line with new market requirements. He noted that Tamkeen has allocated BD 120 million over 2021–2023 to support Bahraini employment, double the amount of the previous five years. This includes larger and longer wage‑support packages for jobseekers registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and for new labour‑market entrants, plus incentives for modern work patterns such as remote and part‑time roles. He emphasised Tamkeen’s commitment to meeting current market needs, particularly amid the exceptional circumstances of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic and its global economic impact. At a press conference, His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, outlined the roles of the Ministry and the Authority in executing the three initiatives underpinning National Employment Programme 2.0 in partnership with Tamkeen and other stakeholders. Humaidan said the launch of National Employment Programme 2.0 encourages the hiring of citizens amid the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic and the rising volume of online registrations, noting that simplified eServices have boosted the number of jobseeker applications. The programme also supports employers in creating quality jobs for Bahrainis while enabling ongoing government monitoring of labour‑market indicators. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, directed that the National Employment Programme 2.0 deliver employment for 25,000 citizens and 10,000 training opportunities during 2021. The first of three initiatives resumes all Tamkeen programmes to tilt the cost gap in favour of Bahraini workers, bolster employers’ capacity to generate attractive roles and enhance wage levels; the current average private‑sector wage for nationals is BD 763. The second initiative, led by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, extends the domestic vacancy‑advertising period from two to three weeks before employers may apply to recruit from abroad, giving companies more time to leverage programme incentives and select the best Bahraini talent. Under the third initiative, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority will work closely with the Ministry of Interior to intensify security measures that track, apprehend and deport irregular workers, preventing unfair competition and reinforcing citizens’ employment advantage. Inspection teams will enforce the seven Cabinet‑approved regulations that govern flexible or irregular work. Humaidan urged employers and jobseekers to capitalise on the programme’s benefits, confirming that the Ministry will continue expanding its eServices to streamline procedures and accelerate Bahraini integration into the private sector as annual labour‑market entrants increase. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi, CEO of Tamkeen, announced that registration for Tamkeen programmes under National Employment Programme 2.0 opens on 24 January. Enhanced support will include wage subsidies, training grants and a dedicated initiative for recent graduates covering full‑time, part‑time and on‑the‑job training pathways into private‑sector employment. A comprehensive review of the graduate‑employment scheme will take place six months after launch—without affecting existing three‑year contracts—to ensure the procedures remain effective and aligned with Tamkeen’s flexible market‑response strategy. Dr. Janahi emphasised that developing Bahraini talent remains Tamkeen’s top priority, together with supporting their career progression and investment in the emerging sectors that will shape future workforce demand. Dr. Janahi highlighted that qualifying Bahraini talent to become the first choice in the labour market remains Tamkeen’s foremost priority, alongside supporting their professional growth and progression into leadership roles. He emphasised that this focus continues to align with emerging market requirements, present realities and the professional skills now in demand, while also investing in promising future sectors. Applications for the Enterprise Support Programme will open in February and feature updates designed to meet current market needs, including initiatives that foster employee development and career advancement.