14-06-2021

His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, lauded the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great king, may God protect and preserve him, to launch a financial and economic package to address the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also commended the follow-up and directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to the relevant authorities to implement the royal directives by developing appropriate solutions to support sectors affected by the pandemic’s impact. He indicated that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will coordinate with the General Organisation for Social Insurance to implement the Cabinet’s decision to cover the salaries of insured Bahrainis in private sector companies operating in sectors affected by the pandemic, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund for a period of three months. This includes covering 100% of salaries for the first month and 50% for the second and third months, starting from June. He stressed that this decision reflects the commitment of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, and the esteemed government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to provide the necessary liquidity for private sector establishments. It aims to address the current situation, mitigate the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain private sector growth, and reaffirm its vital role in supporting the national economy. He noted that this will enhance job stability for citizens working in the private sector, thereby supporting the stability and vitality of the labour market, preserving its growth rate, and maintaining productivity while safeguarding citizens’ employment in private establishments. His Excellency the Minister indicated that the Ministry will coordinate with the General Organisation for Social Insurance to implement the Cabinet’s decision to cover the salaries of insured Bahrainis in private sector companies affected by the pandemic, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund. He explained that the amounts will be deposited into the accounts of companies and institutions seamlessly, leveraging the Kingdom of Bahrain’s integrated database. The companies and institutions will, in turn, pay employees’ salaries on time, in accordance with the contracts concluded between employers and workers. He emphasised that the private sector serves as a vital artery of the national economy, and such initiatives contribute to the stability of establishments and the growth of their productivity—particularly under the exceptional circumstances facing the world, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, as a result of this pandemic.