News
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development contributes to the national efforts to limit the spread of the Corona virus.. 200 Bahraini productive families produce 100,000 masks in Bahraini hands and
21-04-2021
In continuation of the national efforts to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), the Ministry of Labour and Social Development launched its national initiative to manufacture masks by Bahraini hands, which will be distributed free of charge to all citizens and residents in Bahrain. They will be produced by 200 families and trainees who have graduated from training courses in social centres. In this context, Mrs. Aisha Mohammed Al Zayed, Director of the Family and Childhood Development Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, explained that this national initiative aims to produce 100,000 medical masks within a month, to be distributed free of charge to citizens and residents. Production is set at fifty masks per day, at a rate of 250 masks per week. She noted that production will take place either in producing families’ homes or in production units at social centres, with all sites adhering to the directives of official authorities to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19), including limiting gatherings and adhering to social distancing measures while wearing masks. Al Zayed also stated that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development will provide raw materials for production to productive families, and explained that a comprehensive plan has been developed to distribute masks free of charge to citizens and residents, as part of community partnerships and the coordination of national efforts in cooperation with government agencies, civil society institutions, and individuals with community activities.
20-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with His Excellency Member of Parliament Mr. Abdullah Khalifa Al-Thawadi and His Excellency Member of Parliament Mr. Bassem Salman Al-Malki at his office in the Ministry. During the meeting, the latest developments in the second edition of the National Employment Programme were reviewed, including its initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the services provided, harnessing the potential of Bahraini youth seeking employment, developing their professional skills, and integrating them into the labour market. The Programme also highlighted the benefits it offers to accelerate the pace of employment by increasing the incentives extended to businesses and jobseekers. In this context, Humaidan reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to providing high-quality training for national human resources and enhancing their competencies, enabling them to contribute effectively to the comprehensive development process and integrate into various productive and economic sectors. Members of Parliament Al-Thawadi and Al-Malki commended the national efforts to employ citizens across various private sector companies and institutions, emphasising the importance of concerted efforts to maintain the stability of the national workforce, enhance job performance, and raise productivity levels within establishments. They also noted the continued cooperation between the Council of Representatives and the Ministry in developing legislation related to key developmental areas, and in supporting the Government’s efforts to ensure a decent standard of living and strengthen social protection for citizens.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development provides a service for requests for licenses to collect funds and donations electronically for NGOs
20-04-2021
On the occasion of the approaching holy month of Ramadan, Mrs Najwa Abdul Latif Janahi, Director of Non-Government Organizations' Support, called on civil society organisations registered with the Ministry to apply for a licence to collect funds, by visiting the Ministry’s website www.mlsd.gov.bh and filling out the form designated for this purpose, and returning it to the email address created on the Ministry’s official website, so that the Directorate can decide on the requests submitted to collect funds with the necessary speed, with the necessity for civil society organisations to adhere to the established procedures to obtain a licence to collect funds, in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law No. (21) of 2013 regulating the collection of money for public purposes. Janahi confirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has taken numerous measures to ensure that NGOs obtain licences to collect funds electronically, pointing to ongoing efforts to facilitate the procedures for granting licences and regulating the collection of funds and donations for civil society organisations. These efforts include facilitating the procedures for opening bank accounts for charitable organisations in accordance with each organisation’s operating conditions, programmes, and activities. It is also worth noting that licences have been introduced for several charitable organisations to collect funds through electronic payments. In this regard, the Director of the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) Support Directorate emphasised the need for civil society organisations to adhere to and comply with the laws, regulations, and procedures in force in the field of combating money laundering and terrorism, so that these NGOs can provide their humanitarian and charitable services, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. This should be done without compromising the Ministry of Labour and Social Development's supervisory and oversight role over the movement of funds from these NGOs within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations.
18-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, stressed the importance of stimulating the national economy to create more quality job opportunities for citizens, as they are the first choice for employment. He highlighted the need for joint cooperation between the three production parties to achieve the government’s vision and aspirations to “create sustainable economic and social security” in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Humaidan said that the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) continues to support existing cooperation with relevant labour market entities, thereby fulfilling its role in supporting the stability and balance of the labour market, finding solutions that meet the needs of the national economy, and providing it with the flexibility that enhances its competitiveness and ability to adapt to various circumstances. In this context, the LMRA is working to implement a package of projects and procedures regulating the market, in coordination with representatives of the productive sectors, including business owners and employees. During his chairing of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s Board of Directors meeting via videoconferencing, Humaidan noted the executive management’s commitment to increasing efficiency, productivity, and advanced readiness for electronic employment systems, which has contributed to the continuation of its operational mechanisms with the same capacity and efficiency, despite the circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Directors approved the audited financial report for 2020 and the executive management’s annual report for the same year. It also reviewed the estimated budget for 2021, as well as the Authority’s future plans and projects. During the meeting, the Authority's annual performance report was reviewed, emphasising the efforts made to facilitate transactions and save time for customers, while expanding the use of technology and completing transactions electronically. Domestic workers were also addressed, and developments in the issue of leaving employment and the mechanism for controlling violators were identified. The Authority's awareness efforts were reviewed to encourage beneficiaries to deal with licensed employment offices and supply agencies to reduce negative phenomena in the labour market and guarantee their rights. In addition to cooperating with various government agencies, especially the Ministry of Interior, in implementing ongoing inspection campaigns to control and deport illegal workers. Among the most prominent projects implemented during the past year was the transfer of the Expatriate Workers Management System (EMS) and its digital infrastructure to the cloud computing network. The transfer process enables the Authority to provide unlimited response speeds and storage capacity for the system, which is the largest electronic data bank related to expatriate workers. A project was also implemented to advertise job vacancies in local newspapers for new work permit applications, a project to upgrade the system for collecting biometric data collected by security agencies, and an upgrade of the electronic link between the Authority’s system and the Information and eGovernment Authority to enable domestic employers to know the status of their work permits. One of the key initiatives currently being implemented by the Authority is the Wage Protection System, which aims to create a safe and transparent work environment for establishments regarding the extent to which they are committed to paying workers' wages and obligating employers to deposit their workers' wages into their bank accounts. The Authority works to document the payment of wages to workers in the private sector subject to the Labour Law in the Private Sector, on a regular and timely basis. This contributes to accelerating the settlement of wage-related labour disputes and reducing negative phenomena in the labour market, such as informal employment and fictitious establishments.
14-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office at the ministry with the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Jurists Society (BJS), Dr. Abduljabbar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in the presence of several members of the society’s board of directors. During the meeting, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the ministry and the society in various areas of common interest were discussed, particularly with regard to spreading legal and human rights awareness in the field of labour and social protection. In this context, Humaidan commended the efforts of the Bahrain Jurists Society (BJS) in spreading awareness of human rights values and principles at the local and international levels, and in providing legal and human rights services and consultations. He also praised its active participation in highlighting the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of preserving human rights during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him. For their part, the chairman and board members of the Bahrain Jurists Society (BJS) expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority for their efforts to protect and safeguard employees’ rights, and their role in promoting national legislation and advanced labour laws that comply with international labour standards — including those related to combating human trafficking — as well as other laws, initiatives, and regulations that promote human rights, particularly the rights of employees, and provide them with social protection.
14-04-2021
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Bahrain Autistics Society organised a ceremony titled "Autism is Distinction" yesterday evening to mark World Autism Awareness Day. The event was held virtually, with the participation of the society’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Issa Jawad Hashim, and board members. In his opening remarks, Humaidan praised the efforts of the Bahrain Autistics Society and its role in raising community awareness and promoting its culture through various events, activities, and programmes. He also acknowledged the contributions of other civil society organisations, official bodies, and private sector institutions working to empower people with disabilities—particularly those with autism spectrum disorder—by supporting their integration into society and the development of their talents and potential. On this occasion, Humaidan stressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to supporting all efforts to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder. He highlighted the ministry’s focus on improving rehabilitation and educational services in private centres, whose annual costs are covered in 12 centres, including 6 dedicated to rehabilitating individuals with autism. He also noted the role of 25 private centres licensed by the ministry that actively contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals with autism and the development of their capabilities. The number of individuals registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development with autism has reached 877, all of whom benefit from services including care, rehabilitation, financial support, and the provision of prosthetic devices. He further pointed out that the ministry is working to expand diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services and has completed preparations to launch a comprehensive disability complex in the next phase. This facility will provide all essential services for Persons with Disabilities, with one of its buildings dedicated to autism rehabilitation. The centre—the first of its kind in the Kingdom—will offer advanced services for individuals with autism and accommodate approximately 100 beneficiaries. For his part, the President of the Bahrain Autistics Society, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Issa Jawad Hashim, stated that World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to shed light on the reality of this segment of society and to advocate for further achievements in education, health, and other sectors for people with autism. He stressed that they are an integral part of society and can actively contribute to its progress, thanks to the talents, abilities, and exceptional capabilities with which they are endowed—capabilities that, in some cases, surpass those of their peers.
13-04-2021
In continuation of the implementation of the decisions of the Coordination Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, and the recommendations of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and within the framework of national efforts to preserve the health and safety of all during the holy month of Ramadan this year, His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed that civil society organisations and charitable societies must continue to implement all precautionary measures and instructions issued previously regarding the commitment to not setting up iftar tables during the holy month in public places, and ensuring that iftar is not distributed on the streets. In addition, he stressed the importance of replacing Zakat Al-Fitr collection and distribution booths with electronic platforms and applications only, as well as receiving and distributing these donations to eligible recipients through the same electronic methods. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development expressed his appreciation to the concerned civil society organisations for their commitment and cooperation in the joint effort to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, through the optimal implementation of the recommendations of The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19). He pointed out that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development has undertaken many initiatives and measures to ensure that civil society organisations obtain licences to collect funds electronically, since 2017, including the activation of the electronic payment service for civil society and charitable associations, in order to facilitate the process of receiving cash donations electronically without harming any community groups benefiting from donations during the holy month.
11-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office at the Ministry with the Secretary-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, Mr. Abdulqader Abdulkarim Al Shehabi, in the presence of the Deputy Secretary-General of the Federation, Mr. Hassan Abdulla Al-Halwachi. During the meeting, aspects of cooperation between the two parties were reviewed, as well as the efforts made by the esteemed Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, aimed at integrating national human resources into various productive sectors of the Labour market. They also reviewed the support it provides to stabilize the Labour market and maintain the national workforce in their jobs, especially during this exceptional period the world is witnessing due to the Corona pandemic, through supporting the wages of Bahrainis working in the most affected sectors, and other encouraging incentives. In this context, Humaidan affirmed the esteemed Government’s commitment to enhancing the stability and growth of the Labour market through a series of government measures and facilities that support employers and national workers. He noted that in the coming period, as the pandemic recedes, Bahrain will witness a return to growth thanks to government incentives for private sector establishments. He called for transforming the challenges facing the Labour market into opportunities to accelerate the pace of economic growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In turn, Al Shehabi affirmed the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions’ continuous efforts to achieve integration between the three production parties, while praising the measures taken by the government to support national workers in companies and institutions, which was a source of appreciation from the Labour sector. He pointed out the Federation’s support for the efforts made by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to rehabilitate and employ national competencies in establishments, sustain a safe work environment that encourages giving and excellence, develop mechanisms and principles of union work, and improve the performance of its cadres to contribute effectively to driving the wheel of production, development, and the renaissance of our dear country.
10-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met today, Thursday, in his office with the President of the Galali Fishermen’s Association, Mr. Mohammad Jassim Al Dakhil. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the situation of Bahraini fishermen affected by Qatari policies that have disrupted their livelihoods. In this context, both parties praised the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to support fishermen, provide compensation, and assist them in addressing their challenges. This initiative reflects His Majesty’s steadfast approach to safeguarding the welfare and interests of his loyal citizens. The programmes implemented by the Association and its contribution to advancing the marine fishing profession were also reviewed, alongside the roles of government entities and civil society organisations in preserving this traditional occupation, which remains a principal source of income for many Bahraini families. The meeting further addressed joint efforts to protect it as an inherited craft passed down through generations in the Kingdom of Bahrain In this context, Humaidan commended the efforts of the Galali Fishermen’s Association in meeting the aspirations of those engaged in the marine fishing sector, affirming the Ministry’s support for all endeavours aimed at preserving this profession through the development of legislation that safeguards fishermen and protects their Labour rights. For his part, Mr. Al Dakhil praised the Ministry’s support for civil society and professional associations in achieving their developmental objectives. He expressed pride in the government’s sustained interest in the marine fishing sector—a vital pillar of the national economy—and emphasised the importance of intensifying joint efforts to conserve fisheries resources and develop this sector in service of society, through the enhancement of national laws and legislation governing this time-honoured profession.
09-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tree of Life Charity Society, Mr. Khalil Ahmed AlDailami, in the presence of several members of the Society’s Board of Directors. During the meeting, Mr. AlDailami reviewed the latest developments in the Society’s programmes and charitable initiatives, as well as areas of cooperation with government entities and civil institutions aligned with the Society’s developmental objectives. These efforts are intended to support the Society’s mission of implementing a range of charitable and social activities—particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, assistance to families in need, and the sponsorship of orphans—all of which positively impact community development. He also highlighted the provision of voluntary services in line with the strategic development plan to strengthen charitable work in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency the Minister commended the Society’s efforts in responding to the needs of various segments of society and expressed his appreciation for its distinctive initiatives in the charitable and humanitarian spheres. He further acknowledged the valuable role played by civil society organisations and institutions in advancing sustainable development across the Kingdom, and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating licensing procedures for charitable fundraising activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Tree of Life Charity Society expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its continued efforts in supporting the work of civil society organisations, helping them to operate professionally and enhancing their effectiveness, thereby enabling them to fulfil their mission and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our beloved nation.
09-04-2021
As part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s continuous efforts and follow-up to provide suitable employment opportunities for jobseekers and to train them to become the first and preferred choice for employers, the Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki, visited IKEA Bahrain to check on the progress of the training programme signed between the Ministry and the company under the On-the-Job Training Programme (Furas), aimed at training 40 jobseekers from various educational backgrounds, of whom 13 were selected for the first training cohort. The programme encompasses both theoretical and practical components (on-the-job training) and offers potential employment opportunities for outstanding participants upon completion of the training. Mr. Hayki affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s continuous commitment to strengthening collaboration with private sector establishments to attract and integrate national talent. He noted the importance of leveraging the “Furas” programme, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS). The programme aims to provide grants and training opportunities for Bahraini youth within companies and institutions to develop their capabilities and refine their expertise through specialised courses across various professional fields. It seeks to enhance their practical skills, nurture innovation, and prepare them to enter the Labour market and pursue leadership in entrepreneurship.
08-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Autistics Society, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Isa Jawad Hashem, in the presence of members of the Society’s Board of Directors. During the meeting, the President of the Bahrain Autistics Society reviewed the Society’s activities and achievements, as well as the latest developments in its voluntary and humanitarian programmes aimed at supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and addressing the needs of both them and their families. He commended the Ministry’s support for the objectives of specialised centres that provide educational and rehabilitation services for this group, and highlighted the importance of enabling them to strengthen their role and presence in society. On this occasion, Minister Humaidan praised the efforts of the Bahrain Autistics Society and its continued contribution to national efforts to support Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. He also acknowledged the Society’s role in launching innovative initiatives for the target groups, and affirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s steadfast commitment to supporting and assisting all civil society institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving their voluntary and developmental objectives. He further emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to helping such organisations overcome the challenges they face in carrying out their humanitarian mission and social responsibilities, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
07-04-2021
The Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Ishaq Al-Kooheji, participated in the Fifth Arab Conference for Child Rights, organised by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States via videoconference. A delegation comprising Bahraini stakeholders concerned with children’s affairs also took part. The conference addressed emerging challenges facing children in Arab countries, particularly the adverse impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on their health, education, and social well-being. It also examined successful regional experiences in this context. Moreover, participants discussed the establishment of an Arab network through social media aimed at raising children's awareness of the pandemic. In his address, Mr. Khalid Abdul Rahman Ishaq Al-Kooheji, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, reviewed the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to combat the pandemic, highlighting the preventive and precautionary measures implemented to safeguard the health of all, particularly children. He underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to children’s rights as an integral part of the proactive measures initiated by the esteemed Government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. These efforts were carried out under the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, the decisions of the esteemed Government, and the national endeavours led by the National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus, spearheaded and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These collective efforts contributed significantly to mitigating the negative impacts of the crisis. As a result, by God's grace, the Kingdom garnered widespread international acclaim for its precautionary and well-considered preventive measures. These achievements embody the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pioneering stature and capacity to confront disasters and crises, grounded in a steadfast commitment to preserving the safety and health of all segments of society—citizens and residents alike—and safeguarding the well-being of children. Mr. Al-Kooheji further highlighted Bahrain’s success in sustaining education and rehabilitating children throughout the pandemic. He noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development launched several initiatives and programmes to optimise children’s time at home through digital networks. This was complemented by the Kingdom’s concerted efforts in the field of education, which included providing comprehensive educational materials and resources to students and forming 45 working teams dedicated to preparing new model lessons uploaded daily to the digital educational content platform for various academic levels. He also detailed the measures implemented to protect female workers in the childhood sector, whereby the Kingdom paid full salaries to female employees working in kindergartens and nurseries who were not insured by the General Organisation for Social Insurance, through the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) for a period of nine months. This support was subsequently extended at 50% of the salary for three additional months. Moreover, Mr. Al-Kooheji referenced the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to increase the monthly allowance for RHF-sponsored orphans and widows He concluded his speech by emphasising the Kingdom of Bahrain’s success in mitigating the pandemic’s repercussions, thanks to close cooperation between government sectors, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the executive and legislative authorities. Mr. Al-Kooheji noted that Bahrain’s experience represents a model to be emulated in promoting citizens’ rights and advancing healthcare, education, and social services as fundamental pillars of comprehensive national development.
06-04-2021
In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to assign the Ministry of Labour and Social Development to double the value of social assistance allocations paid to social security beneficiaries, as well as the financial aid provided through the Allowance for Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), on the occasion of the approaching holy month of Ramadan—to alleviate the living burdens on Bahraini families with limited income—and within the framework of the Government’s continuous efforts to support citizens in meeting their needs, the Ministry will commence the disbursement procedures for the necessary allocations on 15 April. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, expressed his profound thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, may God protect him, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the needs of citizens are met, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups. He stressed that the doubling of financial allocations, coinciding with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, would contribute significantly to achieving social stability for the eligible families and would benefit all recipients of social security assistance and the Allowance for People of Determination registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Humaidan explained that the Ministry had already begun taking measures to implement the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the doubled amounts for all beneficiaries would be transferred to their bank accounts on 15 April, during the holy month of Ramadan. He further stated that the number of families benefiting from social security assistance stands at 17,052 families, comprising categories specified under Law No. (18) of 2008 regarding social security—those without any source of income or with insufficient income to sustain their daily living requirements—with all amounts being transferred directly to their accounts. Regarding the Allowance for Persons with Disabilities, currently set at 100 dinars per month, Humaidan announced that it would be doubled to 200 dinars on the occasion of Ramadan. The number of beneficiaries amounts to 12,459 Persons with Disabilities, with the financial support transferred directly to their bank accounts. This coverage will encompass the regular monthly grant and the additional grant for People of Determination, including individuals with physical, mental, visual, hearing, autism, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities.
05-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that the esteemed Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, has made substantial progress in narrowing the gap between education outcomes and labour market requirements. This has been achieved through a series of targeted measures and initiatives to enhance education and training policies and systems, in line with ongoing developments in the labour market and its increasing demand for skilled individuals to fill modern and qualitative roles offered by the private sector. This came during a speech delivered by Humaidan while patronising “the 8th Virtual Forum and Job Fair”, organised by the University of Applied Sciences via videoconferencing yesterday, Sunday. The event was attended by the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Waheeb Ahmed Al Khaja, the President of the University, Dr. Ghassan Fouad Awad, as well as representatives from 26 entities across the public and private sectors, in addition to a number of academics and officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. His Excellency called on students to make informed decisions regarding their choice of academic specialisations, aligning them with current labour market demands. He urged them to stay abreast of developments in qualitative employment opportunities and to take advantage of the upcoming skills platform to be launched by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, which will offer comprehensive information to students and parents about labour market trends. In this context, he underlined the responsibility of private educational institutions in creating sustainable opportunities to advance their education and training systems in response to the rapid and continuous technical and technological transformations occurring in the labour market. He also praised the role of specialised forums and events in enhancing professional awareness among students. For his part, Dr. Ghassan Fouad Awad stated that this year’s forum builds on the success of its previous editions in achieving their objectives, particularly by strengthening direct engagement between students, employers, and human resources professionals. He reiterated the University’s commitment to equipping the labour market in the Kingdom of Bahrain with qualified graduates across various productive and economic sectors. He further stressed the significance of career guidance and counselling in helping students make informed choices about their future career paths. This year’s forum addressed several key topics with the participation of specialists in human resources and recruitment. Discussions covered qualification programmes for new graduates and jobseekers, the future of employment, and career development in the evolving labour market. Participating organisations also showcased their employment opportunities for university students and graduates through the virtual career fair.
04-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met with Her Excellency Dr. Masooma Hassan Abdul Rahim, Member of the House of Representatives, at his office, where they discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities for the benefit of citizens and the development of legislation related to service provision. The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the Ministry’s employment programmes and the enhancement of social welfare services. In this context, Humaidan emphasised the importance of reinforcing the principles of social responsibility and partnership to better serve citizens, particularly People of Determination—those distinguished by their resilience, resolve, and diverse capabilities. He affirmed that the Ministry is committed to protecting their rights and fulfilling their aspirations by enabling their integration into society, in line with the Government’s dedication to including them in the broader national development process. He noted that the Ministry continues implementing various programmes and initiatives supporting this group across all levels. For her part, Dr. Masooma praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s ongoing collaboration with Members of the House of Representatives. She commended the Ministry’s sustained efforts to enhance its services, particularly the care and attention extended to Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination), who benefit from a variety of initiatives and programmes alongside other citizens. These efforts include facilitating their integration into private sector institutions and providing comprehensive social care—reflecting the state’s firm commitment to all segments of society.
03-04-2021
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, along with the members of the Board of Directors, praised the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to enable citizens engaged in online sales and “Chef” activities to voluntarily join the "Khatwa" programme for Productive Families Projects of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, free of charge, and benefit from its advantages. These include access to the Family Microfinance House (FMH) services, which provides financial support to entrepreneurs and productive families registered in the programme, to economically empower them and support the establishment of their productive ventures. This came during the general assembly meeting of the Family Microfinance House (FMH) and the first Board of Directors meeting of the current year, 2021, which was held yesterday, Sunday, under the chairmanship of Humaidan, via videoconferencing, in the presence of the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Family House, Dr. Khaled Ateeq, and other board members. Humaidan affirmed that the Family Microfinance House (FMH) continues to provide financial and non-financial services to various micro-projects run by entrepreneurs and productive families registered in the “Khatwa” programme for home-based businesses. This aligns with the institution’s objectives since its establishment in 2010. He noted the Family House’s ongoing efforts to expand its beneficiary base and create enabling conditions for applicants. He further stated that the Family House is prepared to receive applications from individuals wishing to establish small or micro-enterprises through joint cooperation with the “Khatwa” programme. These efforts aim to empower families seeking to enhance their skills and livelihoods, as well as individuals seeking employment, widows, and others, to generate sustainable income and improve their standard of living through productive and advanced economic engagement. The meeting also reviewed the annual performance report of the Family House and the audited final accounts for the financial year ending 2020. Observations were provided to support further development of the institution’s operations, with emphasis on adopting appropriate measures to improve its efficiency in light of the exceptional health conditions brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic. The establishment of the Family Microfinance House (formerly the Family Bank) as a financial institution operating under the Islamic microfinance system is consistent with national policies aimed at economically empowering individuals and families, unleashing their potential, and enhancing living standards. This initiative falls within the National Economic Strategy 2030 framework, which includes programmes to support citizens receiving social assistance and promote entrepreneurship. The Family House complements the esteemed Government's network of services and institutions supporting small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
02-04-2021
The winners of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families, in its 14th edition, were honoured at the local level in recognition of their contributions to national development. The award serves as a tribute to all productive families across the Kingdom of Bahrain, motivating them to pursue continued growth in local production and traditional crafts, and to engage in design and innovation that enhance their developmental role and competitiveness in ways that benefit the nation and support Bahraini households. This comes in light of the continued support and facilitation granted to productive family projects by 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, as well as the relevant ministries and institutions, which collectively contribute to the success of home-based products and raise the standard of living for many families. The 2020/2021 award cycle winners were recognised at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development on 21 March at the Capital Mall for Bahraini Handicrafts. The awards were presented by Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Director of the Office of the Her Royal Highness Wife of His Majesty the King, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan. In its current session, 158 productive families applied for the award, which included three categories. The award for Best Productive Family was granted to Mrs. Aisha Khalil Al-Khajem; the award for Best Producer went to Mrs. Anisa Mohammad Al-Ali; and the award for Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive Families was presented to Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco). Evolving Project Mrs. Aisha Khalil Ibrahim Al-Khajem expressed her pride in winning the Best Productive Family award for her food production initiative, Al-Haif Coffee. She explained that her journey began over a decade ago with a single coffee product and gradually evolved into hospitality services. Her project expanded further with the support of the Family Microfinance House (FMH), enabling her to prepare large quantities for participation in regional festivals across the Gulf. She praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for advancing educational awareness and empowering female entrepreneurs through the Khatwa programme for home projects, which helped her develop her business on sound theoretical and scientific grounds. She also appreciated the facilitation of import and export procedures for coffee. Mrs. Al-Khajem expressed her hope to one day establish a roastery and coffee mill managed by Bahraini professionals, register her product as a global trademark, and export it internationally. Crowning Bahraini Talents Ms. Anisa Mohammad Al-Ali, who received the Best Product Award for her food project Muqramish, expressed pride in being selected among this year’s winners. She described the award as a powerful motivator for productive families, recognising it as a driver of innovation and excellence in Bahraini products. Since 2003, she has worked with determination to refine her products, which are now marketed both locally and abroad. Ms. Al-Ali emphasised her ongoing commitment to introducing new and distinctive items, and praised the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for providing raw materials that enable families to produce high-quality, standardised food items. Supporting Local Products Batelco expressed pride in winning the Best Sponsor and Supporter of Productive Family Projects award. The company commended the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, may God protect her, in developing programmes that support productive families in Bahrain. It emphasised that such initiatives ensure sustainability and development by fostering excellence and competitiveness in commercial activities that elevate income and promote household stability. Batelco also acknowledged the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its efforts to nurture emerging Bahraini talent in the fields of handicrafts and national production. The company noted that the award reflects the shared vision of its Chairman and Board of Directors to advance community partnership and support national initiatives that enhance the sustainability of promising Bahraini enterprises. Arab Echo of the Award Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Award for Encouraging Productive Families is granted annually to the best family-led projects in Bahrain. In recognition of its success, the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs adopted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s proposal in December 2009 to launch an Arab version of the award under Her Highness’s name. The award now includes biennial celebrations recognising the best Arab productive family, best producer, and best sponsor and supporter of productive family initiatives across the Arab world.
01-04-2021
On 2 April, the Kingdom of Bahrain joined the international community in commemorating the UN-recognized World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2008. This year’s theme, “Children with Autism: Children of Excellence and Genius,” presents an opportunity to reaffirm Bahrain’s commitment as an active partner in formulating and implementing initiatives and programmes to raise autism awareness. Community partnerships and national strategies drive these efforts to enable society to respond to the needs of this group of children and facilitate their integration into all aspects of life. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, stated that, in line with the Government of Bahrain’s broader objectives, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development continues to enhance and expand diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services for this group. This includes the services that will be offered by the Rehabilitation Centre for People with Autism at the Comprehensive Disability Complex, which, upon its opening, is expected to deliver high-quality support to approximately 100 beneficiaries. Currently, 891 individuals with autism benefit from services provided by the Ministry. Humaidan underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting national efforts to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and elevate the quality of rehabilitation and educational services across 12 private Centres catering to People of Determination. The Ministry also covers the annual rehabilitation costs for eligible beneficiaries attending these Centres, including six institutions specialising in autism support: Alia Centre for Early Intervention, Tafaol Centre for Special Education, Al-Wafa Centre for Autism, Al-Rashad Centre for Autism, Al-Amal Centre for Early Care and Al-Amal Institute for Special Education. He also noted that the Ministry has licensed 25 private Centres focused on services for People of Determination with autism. In accordance with the directives of the Coordination Committee and based on recommendations submitted by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), a decision was issued to resume individual rehabilitation sessions and programmes at both public and private rehabilitation Centres as of June 2020. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has since conducted continuous and comprehensive supervisory visits to all Centres operating in the field of disability, to ensure their adherence to precautionary protocols and regulatory requirements. These inspections have been carried out in coordination with the “Volunteer for Bahrain” team—trained in monitoring and inspection roles—and the Ministry’s supervisory staff members.
01-04-2021
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Gulf University organised the “Virtual Careers Day 2021” via videoconferencing today, Thursday. The event, attended by a number of entities from both the public and private sectors, aimed to familiarise university students with the employment opportunities available within the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Labour market, particularly those offered by private sector institutions. In his opening remarks, Humaidan emphasised that the esteemed Government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, places great importance on modernising the outcomes of education and training. He highlighted the Government’s efforts to align the education and training system with the current and future needs of the Labour market, ensuring the development of national human resources capable of driving productivity across various development sectors, and preparing a generation equipped with professional skills to pursue successful and sustainable career paths with confidence. In this context, he noted the role of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, in overseeing the establishment of educational infrastructure aligned with Labour market requirements. Humaidan announced that a specialised platform for employment skills would soon be launched. This platform will provide comprehensive data for students and their guardians, enabling them to understand actual and future employment trends and choose academic majors that align with their professional aspirations. In turn, the President of Gulf University, Dr. Muhannad Ismail Al-Mashhadani, stated that the organisation of this event for the tenth consecutive year reflects the university’s commitment to familiarising its students with the actual needs of the Labour market and the employment opportunities available to graduates across various specialisations. He noted the progress witnessed in Bahrain’s education and training sectors, attributing it to the esteemed Government’s continued interest in enhancing educational and training outcomes. Dr. Al-Mashhadani commended the cooperation and support extended by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development towards the university’s initiatives, including the aforementioned forum, as part of the broader complementary efforts made by private educational institutions to support the Government’s direction in professionally preparing national human capital and supplying the Labour market with highly qualified talent.