News
Bahrain participates in the meetings of the Arab Childhood Committee and Violence Against Children and the Arab Family Committee
17-09-2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain participated via videoconference on 15–16 September in the twenty‑fourth session of the Arab Childhood Committee, the sixteenth meeting of the Follow‑up Committee to End Violence against Children and the tenth session of the Arab Family Committee, all convened by the League of Arab States’ General Secretariat. The Bahraini delegation was led by Mr Khalid Abdulrahman Ishaq Al Kooheji, Acting Under‑Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and Assistant Under‑Secretary for Community Development. Al Kooheji explained that the three meetings convened under exceptional regional circumstances, notably the economic downturn and the ongoing spread of COVID‑19, both of which have affected children and families across the Arab world. The twenty‑fourth session of the Arab Childhood Committee examined the pandemic’s impact on children and ways to protect them from risks associated with modern communication technologies. The sixteenth meeting of the Follow‑up Committee to End Violence against Children reviewed cooperation with relevant international child‑protection bodies and assessed progress achieved under the Arab Child‑Friendly Justice Manual. Meanwhile, the tenth session of the Arab Family Committee considered several strategies aimed at developing and strengthening Arab family capabilities, including the Arab Strategy to Reduce Domestic Violence and enhance family cohesion. During Bahrain’s interventions, Al Kooheji outlined Bahrain’s foremost achievements in safeguarding child rights and detailed the Kingdom’s regional and international initiatives that reinforce child protection. He highlighted government measures that deliver comprehensive health and education services to all target groups, ensuring every child grows up in a supportive environment backed by legislation that protects both childhood and the family. Al Kooheji stressed the value of exchanging expertise across Arab states and replicating successful, high‑impact initiatives to strengthen development programmes focused on families and children.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development: The continuation of stopping the activities of nurseries until October 25th
17-09-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development confirmed that, in line with the Coordination Committee’s directive, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, activities at all nurseries licensed by the Ministry will remain suspended until 25 October. This extension forms part of Bahrain’s precautionary strategy to curb the spread of COVID‑19 and to safeguard children under four, their families and the educational and administrative teams working in these facilities. The Ministry, in close coordination with the National Medical Taskforce and under the Committee’s guidance, has already prepared a comprehensive set of stringent health protocols tailored to early‑childhood settings. These protocols will govern every aspect of nursery operations once activities resume and are designed to meet children’s developmental needs while ensuring maximum protection for all stakeholders.
MLSD Minister reviews with PM ways to enhance quality job opportunities for citizens
16-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, met in his office with His Excellency Mr. Yousef Zinelabidine Zainal, Member of the Council of Representatives, to review the Ministry’s latest labour‑market and social‑care services and to reinforce executive–legislative collaboration in support of sustainable‑development initiatives across the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, Humaidan briefed MP Zainal on the Ministry’s actions amid the current global circumstances, emphasising measures to safeguard citizens’ employment stability in the private sector and the continuous qualification and integration of national talent into all productive industries. He also highlighted ongoing enhancements to social-care services for every group and segment of society, as well as the Ministry’s commitment to advancing social and volunteer work throughout Bahrain. Zainal affirmed the legislative authority’s full support for the Ministry’s initiatives to stabilise the labour market, praising its success in developing and employing Bahraini human resources and its high‑quality social‑care programmes, especially those that empower productive families to achieve economic progress and household stability. He underscored the need for ever‑stronger cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to accelerate sustainable development in the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Development honors Al-Dosari on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Ministry
13-09-2020
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan and senior officials, held a ceremony to honour His Excellency Mr. Sabah Salem Al Dossari, former Under‑Secretary of the Ministry, marking the conclusion of his service and his appointment to the esteemed Shura Council. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development congratulated Al Dossari on the royal confidence reflected in his appointment to the Shura Council. He commended Al Dossari’s steadfast efforts during his tenure at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, as well as his extensive contributions to the management of numerous labour- and social-sector issues. He noted Al Dossari's wealth of professional expertise, strong leadership in administrative affairs, patriotism, and unwavering dedication. The Minister wished him every success in his new national mission. For his part, Mr. Sabah Salem Al Dossari expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to all Ministry employees—particularly His Excellency Minister Humaidan—for their cooperation, which has helped achieve many gains in the Kingdom’s labour and social‑development fields. He praised the genuine sense of brotherhood he observed among the Ministry’s officials and staff, and he wished the Ministry continued success and progress in realising citizens’ aspirations during this prosperous era.
Disbursing social assistance within the program to unify the date for disbursing government support
12-09-2020
As part of implementing the Cabinet’s decision to unify the payment date for the five cash‑support programmes delivered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Housing, all eligible assistance is now transferred in a single instalment on the fifteenth of every month under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development; the standard‑of‑living allowance for retirees is exempt from this arrangement pursuant to an order by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Accordingly, Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan confirmed that, on 15 September, accounts of citizens registered for social‑assistance services were credited with support totalling approximately BHD 17 million, in line with all established eligibility criteria and regulations. The September 2020 disbursement covered social‑security assistance, the cost‑of‑living allowance, the disability allowance and the rent allowance issued by the Ministry of Housing. Humaidan also reiterated that cash compensation for the removal of the meat subsidy is issued quarterly: the previous tranche was deposited on 15 July for July, August and September, and the next will follow on 15 October for October, November and December. Humaidan underlined that fixing the disbursement date—effective since mid‑February 2020—allows citizens to receive funds from every support programme in a single transfer, helping them meet family commitments on a predictable schedule; this approach embodies the Government’s determination to maximise the direct benefit of assistance. He noted that the unified mechanism operates through an information system that integrates data from all direct‑support platforms, ensuring payments are processed on the fifteenth of each month, thereby boosting both efficiency and equity for eligible citizens. In the current cycle, BHD 9 million 485 thousand will reach 124 thousand 598 Bahraini families under the cost‑of‑living allowance. Social‑security assistance will go to about 16 thousand 784 families and individuals, totalling BHD 1 million 597 thousand, while 12 thousand 267 persons with disabilities will receive BHD 1 million 228 thousand through the disability allowance. In addition, the rent allowance disbursed by the Ministry of Housing will benefit 45,393 recipients at a value of BHD 4 million 549 thousand. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that direct support reaches every eligible citizen whose name appears on the beneficiary rolls of the various assistance programmes. He noted that, since last March, the Ministry has activated a full suite of electronic services as part of precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID‑19, enabling beneficiaries to communicate swiftly with social‑assistance specialists and receive prompt answers to their queries. Details of individual entitlements and payment schedules are readily accessible through the e‑Government portal Bahrain.bh, while further inquiries may be directed to the National Contact Centre on 80008001.
Cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and Social Development and "IKEA Bahrain" to train 50 citizens on the job
11-09-2020
Assistant Under‑Secretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Jaafar Al Hayki, met with IKEA Bahrain’s Human Resources Manager, Ms. Hanadi Al Aali, to advance cooperation on the company’s initiative entitled “Making Bahrainis the Employer’s First Choice for Employment.” Under this programme, IKEA Bahrain will provide six months of on‑the‑job training to fifty Bahraini jobseekers who are registered with the Ministry. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with practical skills in marketing, customer service, catering, graphic design, interior design and other specialist disciplines, enhancing their employability across the retail and services sectors. Al Hayki affirmed that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objective of qualifying and training national talent so that Bahrainis become the preferred choice for employers, adding that the Ministry supports every opportunity that contributes to integrating national human resources into quality positions offered by private‑sector establishments. Ms. Al Aali expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s cooperation, noting that the programme will enable trainees to develop their professional skills and personal capabilities through structured workplace experience, thereby easing their transition into the labour market. She highlighted that IKEA Bahrain has already hired 350 Bahraini citizens—representing 67 per cent of its workforce—since commencing operations in the Kingdom, and reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for national talent.
MLSD Minister Meets Director of Financial Resources on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Ministry
11-09-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received the Director of Financial Resources, Mr. Mustafa Mohammed Al-Murbati, on the occasion of the conclusion of Mr. Al‑Murbati’s tenure at the Ministry. The meeting was attended by Shura Council member and former Under‑Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Sabah Salem Al-Dossari, together with several officials and employees from the Financial Resources Directorate. Humaidan commended Mr. Al‑Murbati’s dedication and the valuable contributions he made throughout his service in the Financial Resources Directorate, wishing him continued success as he embarks on the next stage of his professional career in service of the Kingdom of Bahrain. In reply, Mr. Al‑Marbati expressed his sincere gratitude to Humaidan, to the senior management and to all Ministry staff for the support extended to him during his years of service, praising the spirit of cooperation he experienced from the moment he joined the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.
MLSD Minister discusses with MPs Al-Thawadi and Al-Maliki the plans of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to improve the employment rates of citizens in the private sector
06-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Members of the Council of Representatives, Mr. Abdullah Khalifa Al Thawadi and Mr. Basil Salman Al Malki, at the Ministry. The meeting reviewed the Ministry’s current plans and measures to raise employment rates among Bahraini job‑seekers, particularly in light of Cabinet‑endorsed initiatives governing flexible work permits and the mandatory publication of private‑sector vacancies in local newspapers. Humaidan outlined the positive employment indicators recorded to date and explored forthcoming development opportunities designed to align with jobseekers’ aspirations and integrate them across the labour market’s technical and professional tiers. Al Thawadi and Al Malki commended the Government’s clear vision for expanding citizens’ employment opportunities amid the exceptional global circumstances and their economic repercussions. They noted Bahrain’s ongoing economic recovery, which is generating new positions and equipping national talent—especially in non‑traditional, technology‑driven sectors—with the skills required to thrive. The MPs also praised the Ministry’s broad range of labour and development initiatives that serve all segments of Bahraini society.
Al-Dosari appreciates the royal trust by appointing him a member of the Shura Council
06-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Sabah Salem Al-Dosari conveyed his profound gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him, for the precious royal trust manifested in his appointment to the esteemed Shura Council. Al-Dosari affirmed that this royal honour doubles his motivation to shoulder his national responsibilities and provides a greater incentive to exert every effort with honesty and sincerity in service of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty the King and his judicious Government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister, may God protect them. He underscored his unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution and the law, and to work alongside his fellow Council members in studying draft laws and proposed legislation, while maintaining constructive cooperation with the executive authority and the Council of Representatives for the good of the Kingdom and the achievement of comprehensive development. Mr. Al Dosari highlighted the pivotal role the legislative process plays in this prosperous era, noting that the Kingdom’s many accomplishments stem from His Majesty’s reform project, which seeks to advance further progress, development and prosperity for all citizens and residents of Bahrain.
MLSD Minister briefs MP Al Rahma on efforts to develop social welfare areas for various groups and segments of society
04-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received His Excellency Mr. Ghazi Faisal Al Rahma, Member of the Council of Representatives, at the Ministry. They reviewed the most recent developments in the services the Ministry provides across labour and social‑care spheres and discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to meet citizens’ aspirations and ensure the delivery of high‑quality services. Humaidan outlined the Ministry’s programmes to advance national human resources, enhance their competencies, refine their skills and prepare them for seamless integration into the labour market. These initiatives include enrolling Bahrainis in advanced, value‑added training programmes that render them the preferred option for employers and safeguard their employment stability, particularly during the current exceptional circumstances. He added that the Ministry remains keen to broaden social‑care services for all segments of society and to strengthen its partnerships with civil‑society organisations, facilitating their activities in support of social and voluntary work throughout the Kingdom. Al Rahma commended the Ministry’s efforts to integrate Bahraini talent into the private sector, uphold their employment stability, expand family‑support services, encourage entrepreneurship and economically empower business owners, thereby helping them achieve sustainable livelihoods. He emphasised the need for continued, enhanced collaboration between the Council of Representatives and the Government to guarantee citizens a dignified standard of living.
MLSD Minister Encourages the role of the Bahrain Medical Society in promoting everyone's health
03-09-2020
His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received Dr. Ghada Mohammed Al Qassim, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Medical Society (BMS), together with several members of the Society’s board. They reviewed the Society’s contribution to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national efforts to contain the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) through effective community partnership with the relevant state bodies. Humaidan praised these outstanding efforts, noting their tangible impact on safeguarding public health, and commended the launch of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, may God protect him, Award for the Bahraini Doctor, which reflects the leadership’s appreciation of medical professionals who have once again demonstrated competence and dedication during this exceptional period. Humaidan reiterated the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to supporting civil‑society organisations so that they can continue their developmental role and contribute to national construction and progress within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations. Dr. Al‑Sabbagh, speaking on behalf of the Society, thanked the Ministry for its ongoing assistance. She affirmed that the Bahrain Medical Society spares no effort in training medical personnel and enhancing their professional skills across all specialities, thereby improving the quality of healthcare for everyone. She added that the Society will keep working to advance the status of doctors in both public and private health facilities so that they operate as a single, cohesive professional body in service of the nation.
Training institutes and centers gradually resume their activities September 3 .. MLSD Minister issues a circular obligating private training institutions with controls and requirements
01-09-2020
Acting on the directives of the Coordination Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to permit the gradual resumption of training institutes as of 3 September 2020 while curbing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID‑19), His Excellency Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, has issued an administrative circular to every licensed vocational‑training institution. The circular details the compulsory precautionary requirements and controls that must be observed from the moment on‑site training services restart and will remain in force until further notice. Humaidan explained that reopening the training sector serves the national interest because vocational training is essential for maximising human‑capital investment, upgrading professional skills and advancing careers in the labour market. He therefore stressed that strict adherence to all health requirements is mandatory for teaching staff, administrative personnel and trainees alike. Ministry inspectors will conduct periodic visits to verify compliance; any violation will trigger legal penalties, which may extend to the temporary closure of a non‑compliant centre. Under the circular, owners, managers, instructors and learners are obliged to implement every directive issued by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that anyone present on the premises is fully protected against the risk of COVID‑19 transmission. The circular obliges every private training centre and institute to enforce a comprehensive package of health measures. All employees, instructors and trainees must undergo a temperature check at the entrance each day, and anyone registering more than 37.5 °C is denied entry. Suspected cases showing COVID‑19 symptoms or believed to have been exposed to an infected person must be reported immediately via the national hotline 444. Everyone on site must sterilise shared tools before and after use and comply with the Ministry of Health and National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus guidelines. Class sizes are capped at ten trainees per instructor, with a minimum physical distance of two metres maintained at all times. Premises—including classrooms, training areas, equipment, offices, devices and restrooms—must be disinfected regularly, and seating must be cleaned frequently. Protective face masks are mandatory for all staff and trainees, and entry is prohibited without one. In addition, centres may not provide snacks or beverages to trainees during their stay. The circular encourages institutes to continue and expand virtual training, allowing each programme to combine classroom and online instruction when appropriate, in line with the terms approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Tamkeen, and the Education and Training Quality Authority under Circular 04‑2020. It also authorises on‑the‑job training to resume at workplaces, provided occupational health and safety requirements are strictly observed and all Ministry of Health and National Campaign to Combat Coronavirus guidelines are followed. In addition, institutes may administer international examinations either on a one‑to‑one basis or to small groups of no more than five persons, including the invigilator, while fully complying with the conditions set out in the decision.
MLSD Minister announces that the percentage of establishments' commitment to the "work ban" decision this year is 99.7%
31-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, announced that compliance with Ministerial Resolution No. (39) of 2013, regarding the prohibition of working under sunlight and open places during the afternoon period from 12 noon until 4 pm in July and August, reached 99.7 per cent in 2020. He reiterated the Kingdom’s determination to foster an exemplary working environment by applying the highest occupational‑safety standards, continually updating health‑and‑safety legislation, and mitigating workplace risks to reduce injuries and accidents. Marking the conclusion of this year’s midday‑work ban on 31 August, Humaidan noted that compliance continued to improve over previous years, confirming that enterprises operating in Bahrain now implement the resolution optimally. He stressed that the decision embodies humanitarian and legal principles while yielding economic gains for employers, who benefit from rescheduling work hours in ways that maintain productivity and curb costs associated with heat‑related incidents. He commended employers for providing the protective measures necessary to shield workers from heat exhaustion and sunstroke during Bahrain’s peak summer temperatures and humidity. Humaidan emphasised that such high compliance underscores national commitment to international labour standards and encourages further legislation that safeguards the workplace from the economic repercussions of occupational accidents. The resolution, he added, reflects Bahrain’s distinguished record of respecting human rights—especially those of workers who contribute to the Kingdom’s development—and positions Bahrain among advanced nations in caring for labour rights and maintaining a safe, injury‑free working environment. During the two‑month ban, the Ministry conducted 13,658 inspection visits, issuing fines to only 30 establishments and recording 42 violating workers. Offenders have been referred to the judiciary in accordance with Article (192) of Law 36 of 2012, promulgating the Labour Law in the Private Sector, which stipulates that ‘any person who violates any of the provisions of Part Fifteen and Orders issued for its implementation shall be liable for a prison sentence not exceeding three months and a fine of no less than Bahrain Dinars five hundred and not exceeding Bahrain Dinars one thousand, or either penalty.
MLSD Minister discusses with MP Al-Thawadi efforts of developmening services to citizens
26-08-2020
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, received His Excellency Yousef Ahmed Al Thawadi, Member of the Council of Representatives, in his office yesterday to discuss ongoing efforts to integrate jobseekers and consolidate the stability of the national workforce across all productive sectors. Humaidan reviewed the broad spectrum of initiatives the Ministry of Labour and Social Development is implementing and outlined the latest developments across its projects and programmes, which collectively serve every segment of Bahraini society. He highlighted, in particular, the Ministry’s efforts to rehabilitate national human resources and integrate them into private‑sector establishments, alongside continuous enhancements to social‑care services that benefit all categories and groups. He noted the constructive cooperation of the legislative authority—especially the Council of Representatives—in supporting these initiatives to secure a decent standard of living for citizens, and he emphasised the critical role that MPs play in advancing national legislation within the Ministry’s areas of competence. MP Yousef Ahmed Al Thawadi commended the Ministry’s comprehensive development services—delivered through its nationwide centres and user‑friendly electronic platforms—which align with government policy to streamline access to social support while enhancing the labour‑market environment and productivity.
MLSD Minister discusses with the Qatari the improvement of services
25-08-2020
His Excellency Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan today received MP Fatima Abbas Al Qatari, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Select Committee on Women and Child Affairs and member of the Public Utilities and Environment Committee at the Council of Representatives. The meeting reviewed recent labour‑market developments, measures to safeguard the rights and stability of the national workforce under all conditions, and ways to enhance solidarity in support of comprehensive development. Humaidan outlined current ministry initiatives and programmes that benefit every segment of society and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to close cooperation with the legislative authority to ensure citizens enjoy a dignified standard of living. MP Al Qatari praised the ministry’s prompt, inclusive service delivery in labour and social‑care fields and its open communication with lawmakers. She noted that this partnership will further advance services for female job seekers, women, productive families, and children, while supporting efforts to refine national legislation that protects and empowers these groups.
MLSD Minister: The decision aims to develop the labor market and support its stability
25-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority’s Board, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the Cabinet—chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister—for approving a package of initiatives to refine the policy governing flexible work permits for foreign employers. These initiatives form part of Bahrain’s ongoing labour‑market reviews and are designed to secure job opportunities for citizens, make Bahrainis the first choice in recruitment and balance the rights of workers and employers. In this context Humaidan commended the keenness of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to develop labour‑market regulations, as well as the personal and continuous follow‑up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, in advancing labour‑market policies that underpin the comprehensive development Bahrain enjoys in this prosperous era. Humaidan indicated that the initiatives were issued pursuant to directives from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, instructing the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to examine the views and proposals put forward by members of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, along with recommendations studied by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These decisions confirm the spirit of cooperation and partnership among all concerned parties in tackling labour‑market matters. It was therefore agreed to refine and activate the flexible‑work‑permit policy in a way that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders, protects employers’ activities and stimulates commercial and economic growth. To ensure proper implementation, Humaidan noted that inspection campaigns will be intensified to verify that foreign flexible‑permit holders are not performing activities for which a permit is required. Runaway workers will be barred from applying for flexible permits, and holders will be prohibited from combining a flexible permit with a commercial registration; those currently doing so must regularise their status within six months of the permit date. Professional standards will be introduced for certain specialised jobs. Additional measures include halting promotional text messages that encourage enrolment in the flexible‑work system and stopping the registration of industrial motor vehicles used in construction and of transport buses under flexible‑permit holders. Humaidan stated that refining the flexible‑work‑permit system is timely because it tackles irregular employment and corrects labour‑market distortions. A Cabinet‑mandated committee—comprising all relevant bodies—will now draw up professional standards and requirements for twenty specified occupations and any others it deems necessary. The committee will reinforce the system’s benefits while remedying shortcomings, improper practices and violations, so that every stakeholder’s interests are protected and labour‑market growth remains sustainable. He expressed confidence that the group will propose additional controls to ensure the permit’s objectives of competitiveness and development are fully met for the benefit of citizens. The Minister added that Resolution 108 of 2017, which regularises the status of applicants for flexible‑worker permits, has already brought many irregular workers into legal employment and reduced the overall number of illegal workers—an issue Bahrain is determined to curb because of its destabilising impact on the labour market. He welcomed the partnership and consultation with the legislative authority and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, whose reviews and evaluations have been vital in fine‑tuning the permit scheme, amplifying its positives and resolving the negatives identified through experience.
MLSD Minister meets the Chairman of the Founding Committee of the World Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Organizations
22-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Chairman of the founding committee of the International Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Federation, Abdulnabi bin Abdullah Al Shoala, in the presence of the Federation’s General Coordinator, Dr Abdul Hassan Hassan Al Dairi. The meeting reviewed the measures underway to establish the Federation, whose membership brings together experts and global leaders of SME organisations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and the SME sector worldwide. Humaidan examined the Federation’s plans and programmes, which aim to convey the voices and aspirations of entrepreneurs and SME owners to countries and decision‑makers, learn from successful international practices, and help create an environment conducive to SME growth around the world. He praised the establishment of the Federation, noting that it will advance national efforts to strengthen the role of SMEs as vital components of economic activity and generators of additional job opportunities. Humaidan recalled that Bahrain was chosen as the Federation’s headquarters during the third conference of the founding committee, held last July, owing to the Kingdom’s strategic location, flexible economic policies and supportive free‑market laws, especially those that encourage entrepreneurship and the SME sector, alongside Bahrain’s distinguished international reputation. The Minister affirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development—through cooperation with relevant official and civil entities—to support initiatives that develop the SME sector and create more decent job opportunities for national human resources. He emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering this vital sector and overcoming any obstacles it faces to ensure the growth and sustainability of the national economy. Al Shoala expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s support of the Federation’s founding committee, noting that such backing will help the Federation achieve its objectives. He added that Humaidan’s endorsement reflects a clear understanding of the Federation’s potential to enhance the contribution of SMEs to economic and commercial growth locally and globally, to provide quality job opportunities, and to attract young people to entrepreneurship and non‑traditional career paths.
MLSD Minister insures the importance of upgrading training plans to supply the labor market with qualified national competencies
19-08-2020
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, met in his office with the Supreme Advisor of the Bahrain Society for Training & Development (BSTD), His Excellency Mr. Abdulnabi bin Abdullah Al Shoala, in the presence of the Society’s Advisor, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al‑Banna, and the Society’s Vice‑Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Bahija Mohammed Al‑Dailami. During the meeting, the importance of human development in the Kingdom of Bahrain was discussed, as well as prospects for joint cooperation to advance training and human‑resources‑development policies and plans and the impact this will have on supplying the labour market with qualified national talent and enhancing institutional and individual performance at production sites. The latest developments regarding the opening of the new headquarters of Bahrain Society for Training & Development (BSTD) were also discussed; the opening is scheduled for next December, coinciding with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations. In this context, Humaidan emphasised that the Society’s fully serviced headquarters will contribute to advancing its work and achieving its human‑resources‑development goals. He noted the Society’s long history, spanning more than four decades, as it was the first nucleus to play a significant role in promoting the importance of training to provide establishments with qualified national cadres for the labour market. Humaidan pointed out the growing interest of the esteemed government in the continuous development of the training system and human‑resources development, and in consolidating Bahrain’s position as a major regional training centre. He stressed the importance of investing in training and diversifying its approaches to benefit individuals and institutions, as interest in training is one of the characteristics of advanced facilities that keep pace with the latest developments and innovations in the field. He affirmed the Ministry’s support for the Society and its assistance in all its activities, as it is one of the tributaries supporting private training institutions and institutes in the Kingdom of Bahrain. For his part, Al Shoala emphasised the importance of advancing training and human‑resources‑development policies and supporting all efforts made in this regard. He pointed out the importance of investing in training to achieve sustainable development across various sectors, emphasising that the challenges facing establishments, in light of rapid changes and the significant entry of technology into the management of global economies, require everyone to increase their focus on training and professionally qualifying national personnel to compete in the labour market.
MLSD Minister discusses with MP the intensification of efforts to develop development and labor services
18-08-2020
His Excellency Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met with Member of the Council of Representatives Mahmoud Makki Al Bahrani at the Ministry. They reviewed recent developments in labour‑market and social‑development services and explored ways to deepen executive–legislative cooperation to meet citizens’ aspirations. Humaidan confirmed that the Ministry continues to prioritise integrating Bahrainis into private‑sector roles and safeguarding their job stability, particularly during the current exceptional period. He added that social‑care services for all groups are being expanded and that links with civil‑society organisations are being strengthened to encourage social and volunteer work across the Kingdom. Al Bahrani commended the Ministry’s efforts to employ national workers, maintain workplace stability and broaden welfare services that help Bahraini families achieve economic advancement and a stable standard of living. He also highlighted the Ministry’s constructive collaboration with the Council of Representatives in serving the public interest.
MLSD Minister discusses with PM Bu Hammoud the legislation related to the development of labor and social services
17-08-2020
Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan met on Sunday with Member of the Council of Representatives Mohammed Khalifa Bu Hamoud, who was accompanied by a delegation from the Bahrain Cupping Society. The Society thanked the Minister for including cupping practitioners among the categories benefiting from government support. Humaidan and Bu Hamoud reviewed ways to deepen cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, focusing on labour‑ and social‑sector legislation that delivers high‑quality services to every segment of society. Humaidan reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing development‑service projects, sustaining job stability for Bahraini workers in the private sector, and expanding social‑protection programmes. He acknowledged the Council of Representatives’ role in supporting laws, proposals and initiatives that enhance labour and social services. In response, Bu Hamoud commended the Ministry’s efforts—particularly its actions during the current exceptional circumstances—to secure a decent standard of living for citizens and urged continued collaboration between the executive and legislative authorities.