Bahrain Allocates $530 Million To Boost National Employment
The Council of Representatives recently passed a significant edict with unanimous approval, earmarking a substantial sum of BD200 million ($530.67 million) for The Train and Place Programme. This funding decision came after thorough discussions on Tuesday, marking a pivotal step in the nation's efforts to integrate Bahraini nationals into the labour market more effectively.
Operated by The Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the initiative aims to not only facilitate this integration but also to raise the minimum wage across various sectors, thereby improving living standards for Bahrainis. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the skills of Bahraini job seekers, aligning them with the evolving demands of the labour market, boosting their productivity, and in turn, creating more employment opportunities.
The scheme, which has received nods of approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation, is expected to allocate BD129mn ($342.28mn) for the benefit of 13,000 Bahraini employees. For private institutions looking to promote their employees, the programme will cover the full increment for those earning below BD1,500 ($4,000) per month over a 24-month period.
"This edict is the fruit of collaborative efforts between the legislative and executive branches, stemming from their discussions on the state budget," stated MP Ahmed Salloom. He highlighted the focus on prioritising the private sector, especially in the wake of recent public sector salary increases. Salloom emphasised the importance of wisely using the funds allocated for the Unemployment Insurance System but acknowledged the initiative's alignment with the system's foundational goals.
MP Jalal Kadhem underscored the necessity of making the private sector more appealing to Bahraini youth and facilitating a seamless integration of their work with the public sector. This becomes increasingly crucial as more tasks are delegated to technology.
Official statistics from the Ministry of Labour reveal there are 16,856 jobseekers in Bahrain, with a minimum wage for private sector employees ranging from BD350 ($930) for those with a Secondary School education or lower, to BD500 ($1,327) for college graduates, averaging at BD826 ($2,191.65).
Minister of Labour Jameel Humaidan praised the recent package of subsidies, particularly highlighting the success of the On-The-Job Training Service (Furas), which boasts a record high employment rate of 65%. "As we celebrated Bahraini Youth Day yesterday, it's crucial to provide our young people with real employment opportunities. This not only enables them to discover their potential but also to lead dignified lives and contribute to our nation's development," said MP Eman Showaiter, echoing the sentiment.
The initiative represents a strategic investment in the country's human capital, aiming to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. By focusing on enhancing the employability and productivity of Bahraini nationals, the programme sets a foundation for long-term economic growth and social development.
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