News
MLSD Minister praises the role of the great deceased in Bahrain: Khalifa bin Salman has made the Kingdom a regional center for human resource development and a model in the social protection system
14-11-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, extended his sincere condolences to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, may God protect him, as well as to the Al Khalifa family and the people of Bahrain, on the passing of the late His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, may God rest his soul in peace. He asked God Almighty to grant the deceased His great mercy and make him abide in His vast paradise. In a statement, Humaidan expressed his deep sorrow over this great loss, saying that hearts ache for the passing of this unique historical figure, the late Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who dedicated his life to serving his country and led the Kingdom of Bahrain to become one of the most advanced nations in comprehensive development. He stressed that the late statesman established modern Bahrain and built its cultural renaissance with his brother, the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, may God rest his soul, and that he was the best support for the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him. The Minister highlighted the civilisational achievements shaped by the late Prince’s enlightened vision and translated into reality by his Government, with the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, who was his closest partner. Bahrain, he said, became a haven for development in all sectors through the Prince’s faith in national human capital, his focus on empowering citizens to lead productive sectors, and the many projects and programmes launched to integrate Bahrainis into every field of production. During his tenure, Bahrain witnessed significant achievements and growth in the labour sector, particularly through the development of national labour legislation aligned with international standards. He was keen to establish a stimulating work environment, safeguard workers’ safety and health, and enhance their social protection. These measures earned the Kingdom numerous regional and international accolades, including a prestigious global standing in combating human trafficking and recognition as an advanced nation in human‑resource development. On the social front, the late leader dedicated his efforts to advancing citizens’ welfare, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable groups—those with limited income, People of Determination and senior citizens—so they could enjoy dignified, decent lives. He also doubled the annual allocation for People of Determination and social-security assistance during the holy month of Ramadan and championed legislation safeguarding children’s rights to development, education, care and protection from harm. Concluding his statement, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development stressed that the greatest tribute is to preserve Bahrain’s historical achievements and move forward with determination under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, and the judicious Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, may God protect him, so that the Kingdom may continue its pioneering role among nations and fulfil citizens’ aspirations for a prosperous life in this flourishing era.
The Minister of Labor and Social Development participates in the Youth Summit 2020
10-11-2020
Manama, 10 November (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, conveyed the greetings and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, to the participants in Youth Summit 2020. He affirmed that His Majesty’s unwavering support for, and interest in, the youth sector have underpinned Bahrainis’ achievements across all fields, empowering young people and providing an ideal environment for their meaningful participation in decision‑making that shapes the Kingdom’s development. This address formed the keynote speech delivered by His Highness at the opening of the 2020 Youth Summit, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs. His Highness said: “First, I would like to congratulate you on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, contained in his lofty speech at the opening of the third session of the fifth legislative term of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, which make youth empowerment a national priority to stimulate their effective participation in every field. Accomplished and ambitious youth are the sure bet for a promising future; Bahraini youth have thus become central to institutional work, and Bahrain is rich in its youth. Two years ago, we launched the National Programme for the Development of the Youth and Sports Sector “Istijaba” (Response). This initiative answered young people’s aspirations and embodied the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. We pledged that young Bahrainis would play an effective role within Team Bahrain and pursue the same righteous path towards achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. Our work sought to highlight the principles of response by creating a fair and open competitive environment that serves youth and provides opportunities for all without exception, lifting the hand of guardianship, and thereby enabling youth to act as advisers to His Majesty and partners in shaping the Kingdom’s future. While reviewing both achievements and areas for improvement, I reaffirm that the ultimate goal remains to make Bahrain the capital of youth and sport, showcasing the significant development witnessed during this prosperous era. God willing, we will achieve this by uniting our efforts for Bahrain’s vision as the capital of youth and sport. By investing in youth, the Kingdom has reaped abundant fruits in a short period, evidenced by breakthroughs in entrepreneurship, literature, the arts and other sectors, as well as first‑place finishes in numerous championships and the promotion of professional sport. All of this proves that the Bahraini is gold. Bahraini youth are passionate about challenges and achievements, and this demonstrates their role in a wonderful partnership to build the future by taking advantage of their capabilities and skills to provide positive support for every sector that needs it. Based on our belief in the youth and their aptitudes, and in considering them the future’s leaders, it is certain that they will be the ideal partner to develop solutions and plans for any challenges that face us. The best testimony to this is the current challenge of the coronavirus pandemic and the contribution of young people in a truly appropriate manner. Today, ministers are participating with us in various sessions, speaking with young people, listening to their views, and learning about their suggestions and solutions to the challenges facing their sectors. Their aim is to invest in the energies of youth and harness their positive energy to drive the construction of a more modern Bahrain. We reaffirm that nothing is impossible when we place our faith in ambitious Bahraini youth. To ensure the discussions are comprehensive and fruitful, we have invited 350 young men and women from the finest Bahraini youth—drawn from Youth Empowerment Centres across the Kingdom’s governorates and local universities—to participate in the sessions with the ministers, who will review the challenges facing their sectors. The ministers hope to draw from the youth the inspiration and solutions needed to address those challenges in innovative and actionable ways. I look forward to this great summit for dialogue between ministers and young people to learn the outcomes of the sessions and the ideas that Bahraini youth will present, after which the follow‑up process towards implementation on the ground will begin. As I extend my sincere thanks to the ministers and the youth, I wish the summit every success in delivering solutions and initiatives aimed at overcoming challenges."
Ministry of Labor and Social Development: Unemployment benefit is for citizens only, and it is not allowed to be paid to foreigners
09-11-2020
In response to reports in certain local newspapers about the eligibility of foreign workers for unemployment benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Law issued by Decree‑Law No. 78 of 2006, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development would like to clarify the following: Under the Unemployment Insurance Law, unemployment benefits are paid only to unemployed Bahrainis at a rate of BHD 200 per month for university graduates and BHD 150 for non‑university graduates, for a maximum of nine months per claim. This benefit is not available to foreign workers, as it is intended solely to support Bahrainis during their job‑search period. A Bahraini who is wrongfully dismissed from work also receives unemployment compensation amounting to 60 % of his salary for nine months, up to a maximum of BHD 1,000, protecting him from the repercussions of dismissal until he secures new employment. Although foreign workers in Bahrain likewise contribute 1 % of their wages to unemployment‑insurance premiums, Article 10 of the Unemployment Insurance Law grants them only compensation—not benefits—in cases of arbitrary or illegal dismissal. Such compensation equals 60 % of the basic wage and is limited to the period—30 days—specified by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority under Article 7 of Resolution 79 of 2009 on transferring a foreign worker to another employer. During this interval, the worker may settle financial and administrative matters but is prohibited from taking up other employment. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development emphasises to all parties and media outlets the importance of disseminating information accurately and in the proper context.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development supervises the commitment of rehabilitation centers and nurseries to health conditions
06-11-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, affirmed that the Ministry is carrying out its supervisory and monitoring role through continuous follow‑up to ensure the implementation of all necessary health precautionary measures in (37) governmental, private and civil academic and vocational rehabilitation centres for People of Determination, and (46) nurseries. This is to secure a safe environment for People of Determination, as well as nursery children, who returned to school from 25 October under the administrative circular issued by the Ministry and in implementation of the directives of the Coordination Committee headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. The measures aim to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) while ensuring the continuity of rehabilitation, academic, vocational and educational attainment for students and nurseries, and to provide a sound work and study environment that safeguards everyone’s health. Humaidan stressed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Development conducts periodic random inspections by its accredited inspectors to ensure that all these institutions adhere to the health conditions and standards stipulated in the system of standards, specifications and requirements for rehabilitation centres, institutes and nurseries. He noted that the Ministry has implemented health‑safety measures in rehabilitation centres, institutes and nurseries, ensuring the safe return of students and administrative staff.
MLSD Minister Meets with British ambassador
03-11-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met with His Excellency Mr. Roddy Drummond, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Bahrain, in his office on Tuesday. They reviewed the distinguished historical relations between the two friendly countries, including strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of labour and social care, in addition to developing the work of NGOs, given the pioneering experience of both countries in humanitarian and charitable work. During the meeting, Humaidan praised the deep‑rooted friendship between the two countries and the ongoing, mutually beneficial cooperation across all sectors. He noted in this context the long‑standing British expertise and existing cooperation in the labour and social fields, as well as the benefits of leveraging the various experiences and initiatives in both countries to support all segments and groups of society in Britain and Bahrain. For his part, the British Ambassador affirmed his government’s keenness to strengthen bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the developments witnessed by Bahrain in various fields—particularly in regulating the labour market, protecting workers’ rights, combating human trafficking in accordance with international standards, and consolidating the principles of tolerance and coexistence under the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him, and his esteemed government.
Translation of cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and training centers: more than 700 job seekers benefited from remote training programs
31-10-2020
Dr. Essam Ismail Al Alawi, Director of the Training and Manpower Development Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, confirmed that, through cooperation between the Ministry and private training institutions, more than 700 job seekers have been trained and qualified since last July. This achievement stems from memoranda of understanding concluded by the Ministry with specialised training centres and institutes to develop national human resources via distance‑learning technologies, thereby preparing Bahraini job seekers and professionals for seamless integration into private‑sector establishments and equipping them with essential vocational skills. Al Alawi noted that the Ministry has so far signed ten memoranda of understanding with a spectrum of training centres, institutes and consultancy firms to provide free training to Bahraini citizens, ensuring they remain the preferred choice for employers. One memorandum was signed in June 2020, three in July 2020 and six in October 2020. He emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technologies to deliver remote training courses amid the exceptional global circumstances. Commending the partnership with private training institutions, Al Alawi highlighted that the diversity of programmes offered—covering English language, computer science, entrepreneurship, hospitality, accounting, finance and banking, insurance, digital transformation, project management, self‑development, leadership and management, motivation, innovation and media engagement—significantly enhances the capabilities of job seekers. He reaffirmed that the Ministry, in cooperation with relevant entities, particularly the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), continues to implement extensive training initiatives tailored to employers’ needs, benefiting both job seekers and newly hired Bahraini employees in the private sector.
MLSD Minister discusses with MP Al-Asheri promoting the integration of citizens into the labor market
31-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received His Excellency Dr. Hisham Ahmed Al‑Asheeri, Member of the Council of Representatives, in the presence of Mr. Hisham Al‑Makkawi, Chief Executive Officer of Yum Yum Tree, at the Ministry. The meeting reviewed avenues for cooperation that would enable private‑sector establishments to play their vital role in generating employment for citizens, supported by legislation and facilities that foster an attractive investment environment. Humaidan reiterated the Government’s commitment to empowering national human resources, noting that Bahraini talent in managerial and operational roles drives growth across productive sectors. He emphasised that an attractive working environment is essential to drawing in and retaining national employees, which in turn boosts productivity within private‑sector enterprises. The Minister welcomed Yum Yum Tree’s expansion plans in the Kingdom and its intention to hire a substantial number of Bahraini professionals in upcoming projects, confirming the Ministry’s readiness to provide all required services to facilitate training and employment processes at the company. Dr. Al‑Asheeri commended the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to integrate citizens into private‑sector roles, observing that Bahrain’s advanced legislation, streamlined services and incentive programmes—such as wage subsidies and free training—have made the Kingdom an increasingly attractive destination for investment. He underscored that the cooperative relationship between the legislative and executive authorities continues to enhance these national gains, supporting economic development and employment stability for Bahrainis.
MLSD Minister meets the Board of Directors of Al-Orouba Club
30-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Mr. Mahmoud Al‑Qassab, Chairman of Al-Orooba Club’s Board of Directors, accompanied by several board members, following the esteemed Council of Ministers’ decision to transfer the club’s affiliation to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Al‑Qassab outlined the club’s objectives and forthcoming plans, noting that since its establishment in 1939, Al‑Orooba has fostered cultural, intellectual and literary pursuits, strengthened national unity and promoted community service. He emphasised the club’s determination to attract Bahraini youth to uphold this legacy, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s ongoing renaissance, construction and development. Humaidan commended Al‑Orooba Club’s more than eighty‑year record of enriching Bahrain’s cultural and social landscape and highlighted its pivotal role during the Kingdom’s first renaissance, when the club and its founding pioneers served as a beacon of national awareness. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for the club’s continued cultural and community‑oriented initiatives, stressing that all activities will proceed in accordance with applicable regulations and laws and through effective community partnerships to cultivate national awareness and elevate young people’s intellectual horizons. Al‑Qassab expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development for its unwavering assistance to NGOs, noting that this support enables them to fulfil their developmental and societal responsibilities. He voiced optimism about the club’s next phase and reiterated its commitment to achieving further accomplishments across all domains.
MLSD Minister participates in the session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs
29-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, took part in the seventy‑fifth session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, convened remotely under the chairmanship of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s Minister of Social Development, who currently presides over both the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs and its Executive Office. The Kingdom of Bahrain sits on the eight‑member Executive Office, which prepares agendas for ministerial meetings and oversees implementation of the projects and programmes the Council approves. Participants reviewed the dossiers slated for the fortieth session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, set for December, and discussed ways to reinforce member‑state initiatives aimed at containing the social and humanitarian repercussions of the COVID‑19 pandemic. They also examined executive strategies and action plans covering a range of social‑affairs priorities. Humaidan reiterated the Kingdom of Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to joint Arab action, noting that Bahrain continues to assist sister Arab states in executing social and development programmes aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He underscored Bahrain’s wider humanitarian contributions to confronting the COVID‑19 pandemic, which has affected many segments of Arab societies, and called for unified regional efforts to safeguard public health and social security. The session examined progress in realising the social dimensions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on eradicating multidimensional poverty and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and senior citizens across Arab countries. Humaidan reviewed Bahrain’s national initiatives in this regard, highlighting social‑welfare schemes that secure a decent standard of living for diverse groups within the Kingdom. He also outlined the Government’s precautionary and preventive measures against COVID‑19, including programmes dedicated to protecting children, senior citizens, and people of determination, thereby reinforcing Bahrain’s comprehensive approach to community health and safety. The meeting culminated in several key resolutions, foremost among them the endorsement of the final draft of the Arab Strategy for Volunteer Work and the accompanying executive action plan for the Arab Family Action Platform, which will serve as a guiding reference for member states. Participants also ratified the Arab Strategy for Reducing Domestic Violence and Strengthening Family Cohesion, alongside the executive plan for the Arab Child-Friendly Justice Manual. In addition, the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States’ General Secretariat was instructed to develop a dedicated project aimed at bolstering the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the Arab world.
Responses of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to the observations of NAO Oversight
28-10-2020
Manama, Oct. 28 (BNA): The Ministry of Labour and Social Development applauds the National Audit Office for its constructive cooperation with all government entities and for the role it plays in developing administrative processes and strengthening institutional performance. With reference to the observations contained in the latest National Audit Office report, the Ministry wishes to provide the following clarifications. Concerning the observation that the Employment Directorate has, in certain instances, nominated job seekers for one or more vacancies while also accepting registration requests from retired individuals, the Ministry reiterates that the fundamental eligibility criteria for any job seeker require that the individual be uninsured, that is not currently employed, and not retired. The electronic registration and nomination platform, which is fully integrated with the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation, automatically blocks the registration or nomination of persons whose records indicate active employment or retirement status. The very limited cases highlighted by the National Audit Office arose because those individuals had not yet been excluded from insurance by their employers, even though they had already filed labour complaints with the Ministry and were awaiting unemployment benefits while actively seeking alternative employment. A small number of additional cases occurred where employers insured individuals retroactively following their nomination, creating an overlap between the nomination date and the subsequent insurance entry. A very limited number of retirees appeared in the records because their registration with the Ministry preceded the completion of their retirement formalities. Since the launch of the upgraded electronic platform—integrated with the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO)—the recurrence of such cases has been eliminated, as the system now automatically blocks the nomination of insured persons and retirees and continuously exchanges data to identify anyone who has retired or filed for retirement. With regard to the observation on strengthening measures that encourage social‑assistance beneficiaries to complete general and higher education, the Ministry affirms its ongoing efforts to help these groups finish their studies so that they can integrate more readily into the labour market. The Ministry includes students in its social‑assistance calculations and allows divorced women who are pursuing education to continue receiving support until they obtain their qualifications, thereby enhancing their employment prospects. All beneficiaries identified as students—males aged 18 to 24—were contacted to verify their enrolment status; those who had completed their studies were referred to the Higher Committee for Empowerment and Family Development for the next stage of support and integration. The Ministry reiterates that coordination with all competent bodies to develop projects for low‑income families is continuous and effective: families enrolled in social‑security programmes are systematically channelled into capacity‑building schemes, and many households have already benefited. To institutionalise this effort, the Supreme Committee for Empowering and Developing Families was formed, through which representative samples of beneficiaries are referred to employment opportunities, vocational training and productive‑family services. With respect to the NAO’s comment on the disbursement of financial‑support assistance to individuals exempted under Cabinet Resolution No. 01‑2025, the Ministry confirms that every payment is executed automatically—without human interference—via an electronic linkage that updates beneficiary data monthly in concert with other government entities. This system verifies marital status, income and residency before each disbursement; the isolated cases cited arose because updates were delayed by the relevant authorities following the electoral process. Once corrected, payments ceased immediately through the Ministry’s platform. Legal measures are underway to recover any amounts issued in error, and the Ministry continues to refine its data‑sharing mechanisms with partner agencies to ensure that personal‑data updates reach its systems promptly. Concerning the NAO’s remark that roughly 22,000 social‑assistance beneficiaries are listed as married, divorced or widowed with no corresponding records at the Authority that registers marital events, the Ministry clarifies that marital‑status data for every beneficiary are supplied electronically by the population‑registry Authority and fed automatically into the Ministry’s systems; this linkage is a standing control that validates initial eligibility and monitors continued entitlement to assistance. With respect to the observation that social‑assistance payments were issued to deceased individuals because death information had not been updated in the Information and eGovernment Authority database, the Ministry confirms that, as a rule, its monthly data synchronisation with partner agencies blocks any disbursement once a death record is received. In the specific instances cited, the Ministry had not yet been notified of the deaths prior to the scheduled payment run. Cases in which death data were missing are extremely limited; the Information and eGovernment Authority has been engaged to determine why those updates failed to transmit, and documentary evidence of this coordination has been provided to the NAO review team. The Authority has since implemented a direct‑update mechanism that posts death notifications to the population registry in real time. Disbursements to the deceased beneficiaries identified have been halted, and the Ministry is compiling a comprehensive electronic death ledger in cooperation with the relevant bodies so that such cases are intercepted automatically before any future cash‑support transactions are processed.
MLSD Minister discusses with Al-Hajari the development of work and social welfare programs in GCC
27-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met in his office with Dr. Amer bin Mohammed Al‑Hajri, Director‑General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. They reviewed the Executive Office’s role in fostering cooperation among member states to develop labour markets, intensify efforts to unify policies and regulations, and advance social‑protection programmes and projects for GCC citizens, alongside coordinating joint participation in Arab and international fora. Humaidan reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s support for the Executive Office’s pivotal role in promoting joint Gulf action, noting that such collaboration will help to broaden labour and social‑welfare cooperation and to deepen coordination and integration across the GCC. Al‑Hajri expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s unwavering backing of the Executive Office, stressing the need for concerted efforts to prepare and qualify Gulf youth for the labour market and to craft plans and programmes that develop human resources while advancing development and social‑protection initiatives.
Strengthening Bahraini and Egyptian cooperation in the fields of labor and social welfare
26-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met in his office with the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Mr. Yasser Mohammed Shaaban. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in the labour and development fields. Humaidan outlined the Ministry’s work to qualify and develop the national workforce, integrate Bahrainis into the labour market, and expand social protection and care for citizens. He highlighted Egypt’s support for Bahrain at international labour forums and praised Egyptian expertise that has contributed to the Kingdom’s progress, especially in education, legal and advisory services. Ambassador Shaaban commended Bahrain’s commitment to deepening ties with Egypt, noting the assistance provided to the Egyptian community and the Kingdom’s evolving labour and development legislation. He welcomed the Family Bank’s experience in supporting small projects and called for closer cooperation in vocational training, human resources development, support for vulnerable groups, and the growth of medium, small and micro enterprises.
MLSD Minister reviews the achievements of the Family Bank during the past ten years
24-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Bank, confirmed that the Bank has registered striking growth in Bahrain’s micro‑finance sector during the decade since its launch in 2010 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him. In a report submitted to the Cabinet at its recent session, he noted that the institution has delivered both financial and non‑financial services to entrepreneurs and productive families, expanding its reach from 344 beneficiary families and micro‑enterprises in 2012 to almost 6,000 by 2019 and disbursing more than BHD 13 million. This detailed report, which Humaidan presented to the Council of Ministers at its session last Monday, marks the tenth anniversary of the Family Bank and details its achievements. It confirms that the Bank’s operating philosophy centres on offering Sharia‑compliant micro‑finance without collateral or guarantees and with support from the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), thereby targeting the Kingdom’s lowest‑income groups. By extending this assistance, it enables families, job‑seekers, widows and other vulnerable citizens to generate sustainable income and raise their standard of living through productive enterprise. Humaidan added that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, envisioned the Bank as a catalyst for empowering Bahraini families to run their own economic projects and unlocking opportunities for low‑income citizens. The initiative was launched with the blessing of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women, received steadfast backing from His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the then Prime Minister, and continues to enjoy the special attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister. Acting in concert with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, and several national banks, the Family Bank has thus become a key conduit for strengthening Bahrain’s social security network and driving the economic empowerment of low-income individuals and families. Humaidan noted that Family Bank’s financing for households enrolled in the Khatwa (Step) Home Business Programme has markedly increased the number of families holding productive‑home licences to more than 864, encompassing diverse age groups, educational backgrounds, cultural levels, social‑security recipients and jobseekers. The enhanced marketing framework for these families’ products has also boosted income: total sales rose from roughly BHD 134,000 in 2011 to about BHD 395,000 in 2019, while 47 families progressed from home production to entrepreneurship, establishing commercially viable ventures. Family Bank—the Arab world’s first social micro‑finance institution—was authorised by the Central Bank of Bahrain under Resolution 53 of 2009 as an Islamic finance bank with authorised capital of BHD 15 million and paid‑up capital of BHD 5 million. It is a partnership between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait, Ithmaar Bank, Ahli United Bank and Kuwait Finance House, created in collaboration with the Grameen Foundation under a 2007 working document with the Ministry.
Administrative circular to the Minister of Labor and Social Development: Resumption of care activities in nurseries on Sunday, according to the precautionary measures taken to limit the spread of the
23-10-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development has issued an administrative circular authorising the resumption of care activities in nurseries licensed by the Ministry from Sunday, 25 October 2020, for parents who choose to send their children. The decision follows periodic reviews of epidemiological data and adheres to the latest recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID‑19). All nurseries must implement the prescribed preventive and precautionary measures designed to curb the spread of the virus. His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, underscored the responsibility of nursery owners, board members, teachers, assistants and parents to comply fully with Ministry of Health directives that safeguard public health. Operators are required to ensure that comprehensive protective measures are in place for every child in their care. The circular specifies that nursery premises must be sterilised daily. Any nursery with a capacity of 100 children or more must employ a qualified nurse, and all staff—particularly nannies—must wear face masks, although children are exempt from this requirement. Only one family member may enter the nursery foyer when dropping off or collecting a child, and a designated nanny must refer any child exhibiting COVID‑19 symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately. Parents must supply all food and drink for their children, prepared at home. Communal buffets and shared water stations are banned; nurseries may, however, provide sterilised water bottles if a child arrives without one. Parties, birthday celebrations and the distribution of food or sweets on the premises are prohibited. Nursery capacity has been adjusted to one nanny for every two children under 18 months, and one nanny plus one assistant for every eight children over 18 months. Physical activities are to be staggered throughout the day and conducted outdoors whenever practicable to maintain children’s fitness safely. If a child, staff member or any other person at the nursery displays COVID‑19 symptoms, they must be isolated immediately, the national hotline (444) must be contacted, and guardians informed. Individuals who test positive via PCR may not return until they can prove their release from precautionary quarantine. Nurseries are obliged to facilitate contact‑tracing by providing the National Medical Taskforce with accurate attendance and staff records. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development will conduct periodic random inspections of all nurseries through its inspectors to ensure compliance with all health requirements and standards stipulated in the standards, specifications and requirements system governing nurseries, their facilities and staffing. If nurseries fail to comply with any of these directives, appropriate legal action will ensue.
Ministry of Labor and Social Development adopteds "Networking between NGOs" initiative
21-10-2020
As part of the ongoing national drive to activate the initiatives of the National Plan to Enhance National Belonging and Consolidate the Values of Citizenship “Bahrainouna,” the working group for the “Networking initiative between NGOs,” one of three Bahrainouna initiatives sponsored by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, hosted a virtual workshop exploring programme‑integration models in both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The session was chaired by Ms. Najwa Abdul Latif Janahi, Director of the Non‑Government Organisations’ Support Directorate at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, and featured Eng. Musa bin Mohammed Al Rajhi, Chief Executive of the Al Rajhi Foundation and Strategic Adviser to the Qudra Foundation. Drawing on Saudi and Bahraini case studies, Al Rajhi outlined best practice in inter‑organisational coordination, describing integration as a leadership process grounded in both internal and external communication. He set out the objectives of coordination—discovering talent, minimising conflict, and maximising impact—and proposed practical mechanisms such as joint councils, awareness-raising, a shared vision, agile monitoring systems, transparent communication, and systematic documentation of lessons learnt. Trust, he underscored, is the cornerstone of collective values and the catalyst for all other facets of effective collaboration. Ms. Janahi thanked Eng. Al Rajhi and the entire Networking initiative team between NGOs for their substantive contributions, noting that the workshop’s outcomes will be embedded in the initiative’s forthcoming action plans. The programme portfolio includes institutional support for NGO capacity-building, development project planning and execution, and sustainable financial management. Ms. Janahi underscored that activating community partnerships is vital to delivering the initiatives of the National Plan to Enhance National Belonging and Consolidate the Values of Citizenship, “Bahrainouna”. She further praised the private sector’s robust engagement and its significant contribution to turning the plan’s aspirations into reality. Bahrainouna comprises 105 initiatives implemented by 25 government entities across five strategic tracks: Belonging Programmes, Public‑Relations Campaigns, Media Initiatives, Curriculum and Course Initiatives, and Legislation and Regulation Initiatives.
MLSD Minister meets the new Indian ambassador
20-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), today, Tuesday, met at the Ministry with the newly appointed Ambassador of the friendly Republic of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Mr. Piyush Srivastava. Humaidan welcomed the ambassador and wished him every success in his diplomatic mission, noting the strong, long-standing ties between Bahrain and India, as well as the valuable contributions of Indian workers to Bahrain’s development. He underscored the two countries’ shared interest in deepening cooperation, particularly in labour market regulation, social welfare promotion, and entrepreneurship. Ambassador Srivastava affirmed India’s commitment to broadening bilateral collaboration across all sectors. He expressed appreciation for the care Bahrain extends to the Indian community and its workforce, praising the Ministry and the LMRA for safeguarding workers’ rights in line with international labour standards. He also commended Bahrain’s proactive measures during the present exceptional circumstances to protect the health and safety of all residents, including foreign workers, describing them as a reflection of the Kingdom’s leadership in upholding human rights.
MLSD Minister iscusses with MP Al-Ansari ways to enhance cooperation in the field of enacting labor and social laws
18-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, today met His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Yousef Al Ansari, Member of the Council of Representatives, at the Ministry’s headquarters to explore avenues for deeper executive–legislative cooperation on labour and social legislation, particularly laws that strengthen workers’ rights and enhance the work environment in line with evolving labour‑market dynamics. Humaidan outlined the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives to stabilise and protect the national workforce, support private‑sector establishments, and sustain their contribution to economic growth under all circumstances. He also acknowledged the Council of Representatives’ pivotal role in advancing legislation within the Ministry’s constitutional remit, which in turn reinforces Bahrain’s labour and development sectors for every segment of society. For his part, Al Ansari commended the Ministry’s dedication to implementing government policy that guarantees a dignified standard of living for citizens and delivers services efficiently and accessibly. He highlighted the qualitative leap in the Ministry’s service portfolio, driven by modern technology that boosts both efficiency and user convenience for beneficiaries.
MLSD Minister receives the award of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Ali for volunteer work
17-10-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development was today presented with His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Award for Voluntary Work after being named among the honourees of the award’s tenth edition, which recognised front‑line national volunteers during a virtual ceremony on 27 September under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Under‑Secretary at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Honorary President of the Good Word Society. His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received the award from His Excellency Mr. Hassan Mohammed Bu Hazza, Chairman of the Good Word Society and President of the Arab Voluntary Union, during a meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters. Humaidan congratulated His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa on the ceremony’s success and commended his decade‑long commitment to fostering volunteerism, following the noble example set by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, may God protect him. The Minister hailed His Highness’s decision to honour front‑line national cadres, who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and patriotic responsibility amid the global health crisis, and he praised the Good Word Society’s efficient stewardship of the award since its inception. Humaidan affirmed that receiving the accolade is “both an honour and a motivation for the Ministry to redouble its humanitarian efforts in partnership with state institutions and civil‑society organisations, ensuring comprehensive support for every segment of society.” For his part, Bu Hazza acknowledged the Ministry’s unwavering assistance to civil‑society organisations, emphasising that the Good Word Society greatly values this support in advancing voluntary and charitable initiatives that benefit the entire community.
The Director General of the Arab Labor Organization praises labor legislation in Bahrain
16-10-2020
The Director‑General of the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO), Mr. Fayez Ali Al‑Mutairi, has lauded the Kingdom of Bahrain’s newly enacted labour legislation designed to uphold women’s rights, strengthen their economic and social empowerment, and embed genuine equality between men and women throughout every occupation and profession. He described the reforms as a forward‑looking expression of modernisation, justice and substantive progress towards the eradication of gender discrimination in the labour market. This came in a letter to His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, from Mr. Fayez Ali Al‑Mutairi, Director‑General of the Arab Labour Organisation, following Bahrain’s recent adoption of labour legislation that promotes Bahraini women’s employment and embeds gender equality across the private sector. The new framework is set out in Ministerial No. 50 of 2020 on Women Employment at Night and Ministerial Resolution No. 51 of 2020 on the Works in which Women Employment is Permissible. Together, they allow women to work in every profession and role available in the labour market under the Private Sector Labour Law, while safeguarding maternity rights and the specific needs of pregnant employees. Both resolutions abolish all previous restrictions that barred women from night work or from certain jobs in establishments governed by the Private Sector Labour Law. Ministerial Resolution No. 52 of 2020 Prohibition of Wage Discrimination between Male and Female Workers, expressly forbidding any disparity in wages between men and women who hold the same post and work under comparable conditions, in line with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Private Sector Labour Law. Al‑Mutairi affirmed that Bahrain’s forward‑looking labour legislation fully aligns with Arab and international labour standards and broader human‑rights principles. He stressed that these statutes exemplify the Kingdom’s humanitarian ethos and its advanced commitment to creating a work environment grounded in equality and free from discrimination in hiring or occupation. Mr. Al‑Mutairi concluded by wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him. Collectively, the newly issued regulations underscore Bahrain’s sustained drive to entrench gender equality in the labour market, broaden women’s participation across all professions and provide an ever more supportive working environment for Bahraini women.
MLSD Minister discusses with PM AlAamer the strengthening of the social protection system for citizens
16-10-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, today met His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Amer, Member of the Council of Representatives, at the Ministry’s headquarters. The talks covered current Ministry programmes in the labour and social spheres, as well as the measures being taken to reinforce the stability of national human resources across private-sector establishments. Humaidan lauded the Council of Representatives’ pivotal role in deepening cooperation between the executive and legislative branches on labour issues and social‑protection policy, including the continual enhancement of relevant legislation. He affirmed that the Ministry’s immediate priorities are to safeguard employment stability for Bahraini citizens working in companies and institutions and to support employers hardest hit by the prevailing exceptional circumstances. Al Amer, for his part, praised the Ministry’s efforts to implement government policy aimed at delivering first‑class labour and social‑care services, thereby ensuring a dignified standard of living for all citizens. He noted the increasingly productive coordination between the legislative and executive authorities, which continues to strengthen Bahrain’s achievements in human capital development and the expansion of the national social protection system.