News
MLSD Minister heads the meeting ofe senior management of planning and follow-up
09-11-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, chaired a planning and follow‑up meeting of the Ministry’s senior management, bringing together all executive officials from the affiliated sectors at his office in the Ministry’s building. The meeting reviewed practical initiatives to improve performance in citizen employment and to strengthen social protection for all target groups. In this context, the meeting addressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s preparations to launch an electronic registration system, in cooperation with the Information and eGovernment Authority, to convert many of the Ministry’s employment services into eServices accessible to job seekers. The system is scheduled for launch before the end of 2019. The meeting also reviewed developments in the information systems infrastructure to enhance efficiency and readiness in line with the continued growth of projects delivering services to citizens electronically. As part of efforts to accelerate the integration of citizens into private‑sector establishments, preparations for a public employment fair next December were discussed. During the fair, participating establishments will conduct interviews with job seekers and sign employment contracts with those selected to fill available vacancies at participating companies and institutions. The meeting will also follow up on the development of citizens’ professional qualifications for the labour market, on related development initiatives, and on the social‑protection system for beneficiaries of the Ministry’s services. The meeting reviewed progress at the Ministry’s comprehensive service centres across the Kingdom’s governorates. In this regard, the development of the Riffa Social Centre was discussed, with a view to increasing its capacity to accommodate the increasing population density of beneficiaries of the centre’s services, including employment services. The meeting also followed up on the latest construction phases of a number of social‑care centres and complex projects in several regions of the Kingdom, which constitute vital projects the Ministry will implement in the coming period.
Hiring a new batch of citizens in the hospitality field
08-11-2019
Within the framework of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s efforts to accelerate the integration of national competencies into private‑sector establishments, employment contracts were signed at the Ministry’s headquarters for a new cohort of (30) Bahrainis to work in the hospitality sector at YYT Company, across various administrative and technical specialities, with wages starting from (400) Bahraini dinars and above. The signing took place in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Mr Sabah Salem Al Dossari, and the company’s Global Director of Branches, Mr Hisham Makkawi. In a statement on this occasion, Al Dossari commended the cooperation of private‑sector employers in embracing and relying on national talent, noting the positive social and economic impact on the nation. He affirmed his welcome for every investor and employer who places their trust in the country’s sons and daughters, who have consistently demonstrated competence, professional discipline, loyalty, and dedication across production sites. Al Dossari urged the newly appointed employees to be diligent and disciplined, and to continuously develop their professional capabilities and skills. He noted that the Ministry’s projects and initiatives have increased the pace of employment in the hospitality sector in particular, through advanced, value‑added qualification and training programmes for national cadres, in addition to wage‑support and wage‑improvement programmes that empower them to achieve job stability and professional development, considering them the true capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. For his part, Mr Makkawi praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s support for the efforts and initiatives of private‑sector establishments in attracting and providing qualified national labour to meet employers’ needs across required professional specialities. He affirmed that Bahraini workers are distinguished by commitment, proficiency, and productivity, expressing the company’s pride in onboarding this new cohort of citizens as part of its strategy to rely on national competencies to manage the company’s operations.
Humaidan discusses with MP Qambar ways to improve labor and social services
04-11-2019
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 on Wednesday at the Ministry with His Excellency MP Mr Ammar Sami Qambar to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in support of development and social projects and initiatives. During the meeting, several labour and social issues were reviewed within the framework of cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the Council of Representatives, with the aim of sustaining development and social progress in the Kingdom of Bahrain and ensuring the greatest possible success for the Ministry’s initiatives and projects. In this context, Humaidan praised the Council’s role in supporting national legislation related to the Ministry’s work and welcomed proposals that strengthen development and labour dimensions and serve all segments of society. For his part, MP Qambar commended the Ministry’s efforts, particularly in implementing the Government’s policy aimed at ensuring a decent standard of living for citizens and providing them with high‑quality services across all governorates. He expressed his aspiration to deepen mutual cooperation with the Council of Representatives to advance development plans and projects that benefit everyone.
Al-Dosari inspects the progress of providing comprehensive development services to 2,500 citizens per month at the Southern Center for Employment and Training
03-11-2019
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr Sabah Salem Al Dossari, conducted an inspection visit to the Southern Centre for Employment and Training at the Riffa Social Centre to assess the quality of labour and social services provided to citizens, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing performance monitoring across its centres in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the visit, Mr Al Dossari affirmed the Ministry’s endeavour to deliver accessible, high‑quality services to residents of the Southern Governorate, ensuring streamlined procedures for job seekers and other beneficiaries, in implementation of the generous directives of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, may God protect him, to provide development services with ease and convenience near citizens’ homes, thereby ensuring a decent standard of living. On this occasion, Mr Al Dossari noted that the centre serves between (2,000) and (2,500) citizens monthly across labour and social fields, providing unemployment insurance, vocational guidance for job seekers, and registering citizens’ employment applications with private‑sector establishments, in addition to services for employers. The centre also delivers training services for home‑based and productive projects, training programmes, educational workshops, health‑awareness campaigns, and lectures related to community development.
Humaidan receives a copy of the master's thesis for employee Bader Abdul Wahab Al-Khaja "Practicing Transformational Leadership in the Ministry of Labor and Social Development."
03-11-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received at his office the Ministry’s employee, Mr Bader Abdul Wahab Al Khaja, who presented His Excellency with a copy of his Master’s thesis in Business Administration, entitled “Practising Transformational Leadership in the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.” The Master’s thesis addresses transformational leadership as an unconventional management style that brings about positive change among employees, motivates them mentally, increases their motivation to work at all levels, and enhances their leadership spirit, transforming them into future change leaders. Minister Humaidan commended the employee’s efforts in preparing his Master’s thesis and obtaining this academic degree. He also commended applied studies that support the efforts, plans, and programmes related to developing national human resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasising the importance of supporting researchers’ efforts to enrich the vital contemporary issues facing society.
Humaidan receives the donation of the National Bank of Bahrain for the benefit of eldery & disabled citizens
02-11-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, received in his office Ms Dana Buheji, Director of the Financial and Human Resources Department at the National Bank of Bahrain, who presented the Bank’s annual donation to the Ministry’s care and rehabilitation homes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The meeting discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and the National Bank of Bahrain in the coming period; it also reviewed the Ministry’s programmes to care for and rehabilitate the most vulnerable groups in society, particularly senior citizens and persons with disabilities (People of Determination), as a top priority aimed at ensuring quality of life, facilitating daily living, and promoting social inclusion. Humaidan commended the National Bank of Bahrain for its sustained support to the Ministry‑run care and rehabilitation centres serving senior citizens and persons with disabilities. He underscored the value of community partnership among governmental bodies, the private sector, and civil society organisations in delivering services to Bahraini citizens. For her part, Ms Buheji affirmed the Bank’s continued cooperation with the Ministry in supporting social solidarity, reflecting a firm belief in the need to care for the most vulnerable segments of society and to enable them to enjoy a dignified life and a more stable future.
Humaidan meets the President of the Land Transport Association in Egypt and briefs him on the developments of the labor market in Bahrain
02-11-2019
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 on Sunday at the Ministry with Mr Mohammed Jabali Al Maraghi, Chairman of the Land Transport Union of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, in the presence of Mr Yaqoob Yousef Mohammed, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr). During the meeting, the parties discussed enhancing cooperation in the labour sector, exchanging technical expertise related to workforce development, and contributing to advancing development and renaissance in the two brotherly countries under their wise leadership. Humaidan briefed Mr Al Maraghi on the latest developments in the Kingdom’s labour market and the achievements recorded on the labour front, particularly the consolidation of the foundations of trade‑union work and the gains realised during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country's great King, may God protect and preserve him. He affirmed the Government’s keenness to support trade‑union activity and facilitate the work of its organisations so they can continue to defend workers’ interests and rights, noting that any gain for workers is positively reflected in the work environment, its development, and productivity levels. For his part, Mr Al Maraghi praised the development and growth witnessed by Bahrain’s labour market and the labour gains achieved at all levels. He highlighted the Kingdom’s experience in trade‑union work and underscored the importance of constructive cooperation among the three parties of production, which contributes to the stability, development, and prosperity of establishments. He called for further coordination and joint work between the trade‑union federations in both brotherly countries, to the benefit of all.
Humaidan discusses with MP Qambar ways to improve labor and social services
30-10-2019
التقى سعادة وزير العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية، رئيس مجلس إدارة هيئة تنظيم سوق العمل، السيد جميل بن محمد علي حميدان، اليوم الأربعاء في مكتبه، سعادة النائب السيد عمار سامي قمبر، وبحث معه سبل تعزيز التعاون المشترك بما يخدم المشاريع والمبادرات التنموية والاجتماعية. وخلال اللقاء، تم استعراض العديد من القضايا العمالية والاجتماعية في إطار التعاون والتنسيق بين وزارة العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية ومجلس النواب سعياً لمواصلة المسيرة التنموية والاجتماعية في مملكة البحرين وتحقيق أكبر قدر من النجاح للمبادرات والمشاريع التي تنفذها الوزارة، حيث ثمن في هذا السياق، حميدان دور المجلس في دعم التشريعات الوطنية ذات الصلة بعمل الوزارة، مرحباً بالمقترحات التي تعزز الجوانب التنموية والعمالية وتخدم جميع فئات وشرائح المجتمع. بدوره، أشاد النائب قمبر بالجهود التي تبذلها الوزارة، وخاصة في إطار تنفيذ سياسة الحكومة الرامية إلى ضمان العيش الكريم للمواطنين، وتوفير أفضل الخدمات لهم بكل يسر وسهولة في جميع المحافظات، معرباً عن تطلعاته لتعزيز التعاون المتبادل مع مجلس النواب لتنفيذ الخطط والمشاريع التنموية خدمة للجميع.
Humaidan meets Shura Council member Sabika Al-Fadala
28-10-2019
التقى سعادة وزير العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية، رئيس مجلس إدارة هيئة تنظيم سوق العمل، السيد جميل بن محمد علي حميدان، بسعادة عضو مجلس الشورى، السيدة سبيكة خليفة الفضالة، وذلك في مكتبه بالوزارة. وتناول اللقاء، بحث تعزيز التعاون بين الوزارة وممثلي السلطة التشريعية بغرفتيه الشورى والنواب، بما يسهم في إنجاح البرامج والخدمات التنموية والرعاية الاجتماعية الموجهة لجميع شرائح المواطنين، الى جانب إعداد الكوادر الوطنية وتطوير بيئة العمل وتحسين الإنتاجية بمنشآت القطاع الخاص عبر تنفيذ العديد من المبادرات المشجعة للمواطنين وتطوير أدائهم المهني في مختلف القطاعات الانتاجية. بدورها، أشادت الفضالة بجهود وزارة العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية في مجال تأهيل الكوادر الوطنية وإعدادها مهنياً لتقوم بدورها واسهامها في نهضة وتقدم مملكة البحرين، منوهة في ذات السياق بالمبادرات التي تقوم بها الوزارة في تعزيز آليات تسريع توظيف المواطنين، وتقديم كافة الخدمات الاجتماعية المقررة للفئات المستهدفة بما يضمن لهم العيش الكريم.
Ministry of Labor and Social Development: An increase in the number of Bahraini employment in the private sector in 2019
28-10-2019
تعليقاً على ما تم تداوله مؤخراً في عدد من الصحف المحلية، وبعض منصات التواصل الاجتماعي، حول تراجع أعداد العمالة الوطنية في مملكة البحرين للعام 2019، بانخفاض نسبته 3.6%‘، فإن وزارة العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية تود توضيح التالي: بالإشارة إلى ما تم من تساؤلات حول مدى صحة ما نشر بأن عدد المستفيدين من تصاريح العمل المرن والذي بلغ أكثر من 110 آلاف أجنبي، تود الوزارة أن توضح بأن هذا الرقم غير صحيح، وأن العدد الصحيح للمستفيدين من هذا النظام خلال عامين و4 أشهر منذ تطبيق هذا النظام قد بلغ 25 ألف عامل أجنبي فقط، حيث رافق ذلك انخفاض في أعداد العمالة غير النظامية في سوق العمل، خلال العام 2018 بمقدار 25%، وهو أكبر انخفاض لها في السنوات الخمس الماضية. وفيما يتعلق بأعداد العمالة الوطنية، والتساؤلات التي تمت حول دقة ما نشر بشأن تراجعها بنسبة 3.6%، تود الوزارة أن توضح أن هذه النسبة تغطي ما تم من تغيير في إجمالي أعداد العاملين في القطاعين العام والخاص معاً، حيث لا يوجد انخفاض في أعداد العمالة الوطنية في القطاع الخاص، وأن الانخفاض حدث في أعداد العمالة الوطنية في القطاع العام تحديداً، حيث يعود ذلك التراجع الاستثنائي إلى خروج أعداد كبيرة من المواطنين العاملين في القطاع العام ضمن برنامج التقاعد الاختياري مؤخرا، مما أدى إلى انخفاض عدد موظفي القطاع العام من 53,932 موظفاً في النصف الأول من العام 2018 إلى 46,712 موظفاً بنهاية النصف الأول من العام 2019، بانخفاض بلغ 13%، وذلك بتقاعد نحو 7,220 موظفاً حتى يونيو 2019. وعليه فقد انخفض إجمالي أعداد العاملين في القطاعين العام والخاص مجتمعين بنهاية النصف الأول من العام 2019 إلى 153,103 عمال، بعد أن كان 158,814 عاملاً بحرينياً في النصف الأول 2018. أما بالنسبة لأعداد العمالة الوطنية في القطاع الخاص، فقد سجلت ارتفاعاً في أعداد العاملين البحرينيين خلال النصف الأول من العام الجاري 2019 مقارنة بالفترة نفسها من العام الماضي 2018، حيث بلغ عدد العاملين في القطاع الخاص 105,158 بحرينياً، بينما كان في نهاية النصف الأول من العام الماضي 104,882 عاملاً بحرينياً، وذلك على الرغم من تقاعد 5,048 عاملاً بحرينياً في القطاع الخاص خلال العام 2018 والنصف الأول من العام 2019، وحافظ القطاع الخاص على استمرار نموه بسبب السياسات الحكومية التي تستهدف تطويره ودعمه ليقود عجلة الاقتصاد الوطني وتوليد فرص العمل اللائقة للمواطنين. وفي هذا الإطار، فإن وزارة العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية تؤكد حرصها على متابعة جميع ما يثار من قضايا تتعلق بالشأن العمالي وأوضاع سوق العمل وأعداد العمالة الوطنية، معربة عن التزامها بتنفيذ الاستراتيجيات الوطنية وبرنامج عمل الحكومة الذي يهدف إلى أن يكون القطاع الخاص ركيزة أساسية لعملية التنمية المستدامة في سوق العمل، وتعمل الوزارة على جعل الموارد البشرية الوطنية الخيار الأمثل للتوظيف لدى أصحاب العمل، وذلك من خلال تبني سياسات تعزز من أولوية توظيف البحرينيين في القطاع الخاص، عن طريق رفع كلفة العامل الأجنبي ودعم أجور البحرينيين والعمل على تطوير قدراتهم ومهاراتهم عبر توفير البرامج الخاصة بالتدريب الاحترافي المجاني مما نتج عنه تفضيل شريحة واسعة من أصحاب العمل لتوظيف البحرينيين في ظل ما يتمتعون به من تأهيل وكفاءة فنية عالية بالإضافة الى وجود المزايا الأخرى المحفزة لتوظيفهم.
Humaidan discusses with the CEO of Bahrain Airport Company the recruitment of national cadres
26-10-2019
التقى سعادة وزير العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية، رئيس مجلس إدارة هيئة تنظيم سوق العمل، السيد جميل بن محمد علي حميدان، بالرئيس التنفيذي لشركة مطار البحرين، السيد محمد يوسف البنفلاح، وذلك في مكتبه بالوزارة، واستعرض معه جهود واستراتيجية الشركة في مجال استقطابها للموارد البشرية الوطنية وتطويرها مهنياً، خاصة بعد مشروع التوسعة الجديدة لمطار البحرين الدولي. وأشاد حميدان بسياسة شركة مطار البحرين في استثمارها بالكوادر الوطنية وحرصها على الارتقاء بهم وظيفياً من خلال توليهم مختلف المراكز القيادية والفنية، مؤكداً في هذ الإطار دعم الوزارة للشركة عبر رفدها بالأيدي العاملة البحرينية المزودة بالمهارات اللازمة، منوهاً بما يتميز به البحريني من كفاءة وانضباط وظيفي وإخلاص في أداء العمل. بدوره، أكد البنفلاح التزام الشركة بتوظيف وتطوير الكوادر الوطنية كجزء من خطتها للإحلال وبحرنة الوظائف، وحاجتها لكفاءات بحرينية لمشروع مبنى المطار الجديد، موضحاً في هذا السياق أن الشركة قامت بإعداد خطة لتدريب وتوظيف باحثين عن عمل في وظائف متعددة لإدارة التسهيلات والصيانة والتشغيل في مطار البحرين الدولي الجديد، حيث سيتم إدماج العديد من البحرينيين في وظائف مختلفة، معرباً عن استعداد الشركة لتعزيز التعاون القائم مع وزارة العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية في مجال توظيف الكوادر الوطنية المؤهلة
Humaidan discusses with PM BuHammoud the strengthening of the role of NGOs
25-10-2019
التقى سعادة وزير العمل والتنمية الاجتماعية، رئيس مجلس إدارة هيئة تنظيم سوق العمل، السيد جميل بن محمد علي حميدان، عضو مجلس النواب، سعادة النائب محمد خليفة بو حمود، وذلك في مكتبه، حيث تم بحث سبل تعزيز دور المنظمات الأهلية ومساعدتها على تحقيق الأهداف التنموية وتنفيذ المبادرات التطوعية والاجتماعية التي تخدم مختلف فئات وشرائح المجتمع البحريني، الى جانب تأهيل الكفاءات الوطنية وإدماجها في منشآت القطاع الخاص لتساهم في نهضة مملكة البحرين. وخلال اللقاء أكد حميدان على أهمية تعزيز التعاون والتنسيق بين السلطتين التشريعية والتنفيذية، لمواصلة المسيرة التنموية، منوهاً بدور المجلس في دعم التشريعات ذات الصلة بعمل الوزارة، مستعرضاً مشاريع ومبادرات الوزارة التي تستهدف تأهيل وإدماج الكوادر الوطنية في منشآت القطاع الخاص، فضلاً عن الارتقاء بخدمات الرعاية لمختلف فئات وشرائح المجتمع البحريني بما يكفل لهم الحياة الكريمة، لافتاً إلى أن الوزارة تعمل على مساندة المنظمات الأهلية لتعزيز قدرتها ودورها للمساهمة بشكل أكبر في تنمية المجتمع، وتطوير أدائها ليكون أكثر احترافية من أجل الارتقاء بنوعية وجودة الخدمات التي تقدمها. بدوره، أشاد النائب بو حمود بالجهود التي تبذلها الوزارة في دعم مؤسسات المجمع المدني، بهدف تعزيز مبدأ الشراكة المجتمعية، والذي من شأنه ان يسهم في خلق العديد من المبادرات الأهلية الهادفة إلى النهوض بالمجتمع البحريني اجتماعياً واقتصادياً.
MLSD Minister in his meeting with the new board of directors of the Bahrain Contractors Association
24-10-2019
His Excellency Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met in his office with Mr Ali Abdullah Marhoon, Chairman of the Bahrain Contractors Society, and members of its Board of Directors. The meeting expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s support to the Society and its efforts to regularise its status through the appointment of an interim Board—thereby advancing the Society’s role—and reviewed the Society’s principal plans and programmes for the coming period. At the outset, the Chairman and Board members conveyed their thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, for his wise directives to grant national contractors priority in government construction projects. They also underlined their keenness to strengthen communication with stakeholders concerned with the development of local institutions, including the launch of a business platform for national contracting firms, the organisation of occupational health and safety training programmes for employers and workers in the sector, and preparations for the Society’s annual conference in March 2020. Humaidan praised the Society’s plans and programmes, confirming the Ministry’s support for the new Board’s efforts—within the applicable laws and regulations—to enable the Society to address the concerns of contractors and workers in the contracting sector and to seek effective solutions. For his part, Marhoon commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s open‑door policy and its efforts to overcome obstacles facing civil society organisations, stressing the need to continue working to ensure the Bahrain Contractors Society fulfils its intended role.
While sponsoring the Umm Al-Hassam home party for parents.. Humaidan: Protecting and integrating senior citizens is an integrated work in which individuals and community institutions participate
23-10-2019
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Um Al-Hassam Elderly Day Care organised a celebration marking the International Day of Older Persons at the Yousef bin Abdul Rahman Engineer Hall in the Um Al Hassam Sports & Cultural Club. The event was attended by Mr Khalil Jassim bin Khalil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Um Al-Hassam Elderly Day Care, alongside members of homes and day clubs for senior citizens, dignitaries, ministry officials, social figures, and members of the National Committee for the Elderly. The programme featured a documentary film highlighting the Home’s tenth anniversary and included the honouring of social figures and public and civil society organisations that have supported the Home. The celebrations also showcased traditional Ardah performances. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development affirmed the Ministry’s keenness to participate annually in the International Day of Older Persons as part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s special attention to senior citizens. He underscored the importance of raising community awareness to protect and integrate senior citizens, developing plans and programmes that enable them to contribute their expertise across fields, and providing optimal care that safeguards their independence and dignity. His Excellency further noted that, through coordinated efforts of government entities, civil‑society organisations and the private sector, the Kingdom is committed to delivering the best services and avenues of care for senior citizens, including social, health, legal and rehabilitation programmes. He emphasised that caring for, protecting, and integrating senior citizens is a shared responsibility across society and its institutions. For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Um Al‑Hassam Elderly Day Care, Mr Khalil Jassim bin Khalil, praised the esteemed Government’s support for the care and support of senior citizens. He noted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s experience in establishing several senior‑citizen care homes and day clubs—managed by civil society institutions within a framework of community partnership—to provide integrated services and comprehensive care for this group. He pointed out that this experience has become a model to be emulated at the Gulf level.
Bahraini-British cooperation to enhance cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields of labor and social care
22-10-2019
His Excellency Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met in his office at the Ministry with His Excellency Mr Roddy Drummond, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the occasion of the commencement of his diplomatic tenure in the Kingdom. During the meeting, Humaidan welcomed the British Ambassador, praising the depth of the historical relations between the two friendly countries and the ongoing joint cooperation in all fields. He noted the United Kingdom’s long-standing expertise and existing cooperation across labour and social sectors, welcoming joint initiatives that add value to Bahraini‑British cooperation and underscoring the importance of following up and further developing them for the benefit of both countries. For his part, the British Ambassador affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the progress the Kingdom has achieved in various fields—particularly in regulating the labour market, protecting workers’ rights, combating human trafficking, and consolidating the principles of tolerance and coexistence under the prosperous reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him.
MLSD Minsiter heads the meeting of Family Bank's Board Directors
22-10-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the Family Bank, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, chaired a meeting of the Bank’s Board of Directors at the Ministry, in the presence of Dr Mustafa Alsayed, Vice Chairman, and Dr Khalid Ateeq, Chief Executive Officer. The Board reviewed the Bank’s key achievements during the third quarter of 2019 and discussed ways to deepen its development impact across the Kingdom—especially by expanding financing capacity for small and micro‑enterprises run by productive families with limited income, senior citizens, housewives, and job seekers. The discussions focused on facilitating access to suitable financing for establishing and growing projects that directly contribute to community development. Humaidan commended the Bank’s financial results and growth trajectory, noting that strong performance underpins continuity and enables the expansion of the beneficiary base. He praised the efforts of the Board and Executive Management, and underscored the Bank’s pivotal role in supporting productive Bahraini families, financing micro‑enterprises, and backing entrepreneurship—consistent with the Government’s strategy to empower citizens economically and socially and to support limited‑income households. Family Bank is a leading non‑profit development bank that plays a vital role in directing development‑finance programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of low‑income families by providing accessible channels to obtain the support needed to start and grow small businesses. The Bank was established on the initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in partnership with the Royal Charity Organisation, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Ithmaar Bank, Ahli United Bank, and Kuwait Finance House. It is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain and opened in January 2010 as the Kingdom’s first social bank specialising in microfinance in accordance with Islamic Sharia. Through appropriate financing and advisory services, Family Bank has helped entrepreneurs translate ideas into sustainable projects—offering guidance, tailored development advice, business‑plan support, and training in essential business‑management skills—thereby fostering success stories that reflect the Bank’s contribution to Bahrain’s inclusive and sustainable development.
Minister Humaidan and MP Zayed praise the innovative initiatives of Bahraini youth
21-10-2019
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met at the Ministry with His Excellency Ali Ahmed Zayed, Second Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, in the presence of Mrs Salma Ahmed Al Asfoor, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Deaf Society, a number of the Society’s board members, and the founders of a smartphone application for the deaf and mute, Mr Ibrahim Saleh Ibrahim and Mr Omar Abdul Aziz Al Rais. Humaidan and the Second Deputy Speaker were briefed on the project’s concept, which aims to support persons with hearing disabilities by introducing sign language through a high‑quality application for smart devices, enabling users to manage daily interactions more easily. They also commended the innovators’ efforts to enhance the integration of people of determination from the deaf and mute community, broaden opportunities to learn and practise sign language, and translate creative Bahraini ideas into impactful solutions that contribute to national development. Humaidan affirmed the Ministry’s support for civil society organisations’ initiatives—particularly those serving the deaf and mute—to achieve humanitarian and social goals, showcase this group’s ability to overcome challenges, and enable their effective participation in the development process and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. For their part, the Chairwoman and the project founders expressed appreciation for His Excellency the Minister’s and His Excellency the Second Deputy Speaker’s interest in Bahraini youth initiatives and their encouragement to continue innovating. They also praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s role in meeting citizens’ needs and delivering development, welfare, rehabilitation and service programmes to all segments of society, and highlighted the contribution of civil society organisations in implementing projects that raise living standards and advance social and economic progress.
Chaired a working session on regional cooperation in the "Abu Dhabi Dialogue" .. Humaidan reviews Bahrain's experience in protecting the rights of migrant workers
18-10-2019
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, chaired a working session on regional cooperation with labour ministers and heads of delegation during the fourth consultative ministerial meeting of Asian labour‑sending and labour‑receiving countries, Abu Dhabi Dialogue 5, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 16–17 October 2019. In his opening remarks, His Excellency stressed the need to pool efforts to ensure the success of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue as a platform for enhanced intergovernmental cooperation and for advancing labour‑mobility management in ways that serve both sending and receiving states, delivering balanced, mutually beneficial outcomes. He noted that such cooperation increases the developmental impact of labour mobility by building human capital and promoting economic growth across participating countries. During the Future of Work session, His Excellency presented the Kingdom of Bahrain’s experience in safeguarding the rights of temporary migrant workers—partners in national development—through advanced, non‑discriminatory legislation that secures equality and justice in labour rights. Key measures include regulated freedom of movement between employers, the application of all provisions of the Labour Law in the private sector to all categories of workers (including trade‑union freedoms, protection from workplace discrimination, and social protection), and access for migrant workers to the unemployment insurance system in cases of involuntary separation. Humaidan highlighted that these progressive steps have placed the Kingdom in the top tier of the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report for the second consecutive year—the only country in the Middle East and North Africa to hold this standing—earned through continuous development of the legal and institutional framework that enhances the work environment and protects workers. Looking ahead, His Excellency expressed the hope that member‑state initiatives showcased within the Abu Dhabi Dialogue will foster wider exchange of successful practices. He called for the Dialogue’s fifth‑session recommendations to include concrete provisions that deepen the sharing of expertise—particularly in workforce protection and the management of temporary contractual work—and that strengthen the harmonisation of occupational skills systems, including facilitation of the issuance and mutual recognition of professional certificates.
Humaidan heads the Bahrain delegation in the "Abu Dhabi Dialogue"
17-10-2019
His Excellency Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, headed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the consultative ministerial meeting of Asian labour‑sending and labour‑receiving countries (Abu Dhabi Dialogue 5), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 16 to 17 October 2019. The meeting brought together labour ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and their counterparts from Asian countries that send migrant workers, alongside representatives of specialised international organisations—notably the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)—as well as academics focused on economics and migration. Participants reviewed and advanced cooperation frameworks among Abu Dhabi Dialogue member states and with other regional labour‑mobility tracks. Deliberations covered the forum’s role within the ILO’s “Future of Work” project (2019), current and prospective avenues for collaboration, and the legislative foundations needed to support safe, orderly movement of labour between sending and receiving countries. His Excellency commended the United Arab Emirates for hosting the forum and ensuring the conditions for its success. He affirmed Bahrain’s support for joint Asian and Gulf efforts to strengthen balanced labour relations that protect the rights and obligations of both parties in line with applicable regulations and legislation. He noted that the meeting would produce recommendations to deepen cooperation among member states in raising living standards and protections for expatriate workers, refining recruitment and employment mechanisms in accordance with international standards, and expanding worker financial‑literacy efforts—particularly in the domestic work sector—to promote safe use of banking services and remittance channels. Humaidan underscored the forum’s role in operationalising policies and tools to curb negative practices that undermine healthy workplace relations and to prevent violations affecting migrant workers in both sending and receiving countries. He further emphasised the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation among member states to harmonise occupational skills frameworks and to facilitate the issuance and mutual recognition of professional certificates. His Excellency also participated in the GCC labour ministers’ coordination meeting and held a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements with labour ministers and heads of delegation from participating GCC and Asian countries, alongside working sessions with representatives of participating international organisations. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation on labour mobility and the exchange of technical expertise, and concluded with an agreement to reinforce channels of communication and dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and sisterly and friendly countries.
82 authorized nurseries in all governorates embrace 5,855 children.. Humaidan: Implementing binding requirements for nurseries to ensure the provision of an appropriate environment for the upbringing
15-10-2019
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Kinder World Preschool was inaugurated in Janabiyah, in the presence of the nursery’s Managing Director, Mr Hatim Dadabai. The initiative reflects the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to encouraging private‑sector investment in childcare and upbringing, and to providing quality services that ensure the proper rehabilitation and development of pre‑school children in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Designed with modern interactive learning technologies and resources, the Kinder World Preschool accommodates 164 children aged from one year to under four years. Following a tour of the facilities, Humaidan affirmed that the Ministry—being the competent authority for nursery supervision—works to continually enhance scientific, educational and recreational provision in nurseries, and to ensure a safe, healthy environment for children’s development. He noted that nurseries must comply with the Ministry’s binding system of standards, specifications and establishment requirements, aligned with internationally recognised benchmarks. To date, 82 nurseries are authorised across all governorates, with a combined capacity of 5,855 children. Humaidan underlined key mandatory requirements, including staff participation in specialised first‑aid training and strict adherence to periodic inspection and maintenance of safety and security equipment. Nurseries are prohibited from using improper methods of care, education or guidance; from inflicting any physical or psychological harm; and from denying or delaying the fulfilment of children’s basic needs. The Ministry’s Family & Childhood Directorate oversees technical, financial and administrative supervision of nurseries; conducts monitoring and inspection visits; trains and qualifies caregivers to elevate the quality of educational services; and verifies building compliance with health and educational requirements. The Department also undertakes periodic inspections of registered nurseries and evaluates proposed new facilities submitted for licensing.