In a statement by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.. All training courses are free of charge and there are no fees if they are not successfully passed

07-10-2019

The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has issued a clarification regarding reports in some local newspapers and on social media alleging that a fee of 2,500 Bahraini dinars is imposed on trainees seeking employment if they do not successfully complete their training courses. All training programmes offered by the Ministry to job seekers are free of charge. A trainee will not bear any fees or expenses at any stage of a training course, including in cases of non‑completion or failure to pass. This policy has been clearly communicated to all training institutes receiving job seekers referred by the Ministry, and any concerns raised have been addressed. This forms part of the Ministry’s strategy to equip citizens with professional skills that expedite their integration into private‑sector establishments and the labour market. With reference to reports quoting female job seekers about a course in English, computer studies, and workplace ethics, the Ministry confirms that this course was designed in line with labour-market needs as part of a comprehensive skills-development programme. It is intensive, morning‑only and of three months’ duration. The Ministry underscores the importance of full commitment by trainees to maximise benefit. A dedicated team has been formed to follow up graduates of this and other programmes and to support their placement in suitable private‑sector jobs. Through its training and qualification initiatives, the Ministry seeks to move trainees into decent jobs with generous wages, rather than prolonged reliance on unemployment benefits, thereby supporting citizens’ living standards and social stability. All participants in the above course will receive an unemployment benefit of 200 dinars per month throughout the training period, without the need for monthly reporting to the Ministry. The majority have consented to enrol. Selection prioritised job seekers with longer unemployment durations to allow them to refresh and upgrade skills in line with market needs. Transport has been provided across all regions of the Kingdom to facilitate and encourage attendance. The Ministry recognises that some graduates in social sciences, humanities and other disciplines may face fewer vacancies in the private sector. In response, the Ministry assumes its responsibility to this segment by developing their personal skills and strengthening their professional capabilities through free, accredited vocational courses aligned with employer needs—thereby enhancing their prospects of securing private‑sector employment in fields closely related to their academic backgrounds.