Tamkeen opposes parliamentary push for direct worker payments

TDT | Manama

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Tamkeen has opposed a parliamentary proposal to transfer wage subsidies directly into workers’ accounts, arguing it would disrupt oversight and weaken the effectiveness of its flagship employment programme, which has so far benefited over 25,000 Bahrainis. The plan, which aims to tackle salary delays and strengthen job security, will be debated and put to a vote next Tuesday in Parliament. Tamkeen described the proposal as impractical, pointing to the challenges it would create in employer-employee relationships. “Employers bear the responsibility for managing attendance, job performance, and any wage deductions. Tamkeen cannot bypass this structure without risking the programme’s goals,” the organisation stated in a letter to Parliament.

Concerns

The fund also raised concerns about verifying workers’ adherence to contracts, especially when employers delay or withhold necessary documents. “Our role is to ensure employers meet their obligations before subsidies are released. Paying workers directly would complicate this process and increase the risk of misuse of public money,” it said. Since its launch, Tamkeen’s National Employment Programme has supported 25,347 Bahrainis and 5,389 businesses.

Careers

The scheme subsidises between 30 and 70 per cent of salaries for up to three years, helping Bahrainis establish careers in the private sector. Tamkeen said its existing measures ensure workers receive their wages on time, with payments made only after employers submit proof, such as bank records or salary slips. The proposal, brought forward by MPs Mohammed Al Ma’arifi, Jaleela Alawi, and three others argues that direct payments would remove delays in salary payments and provide workers with financial stability.

Local talent

“This step would encourage more Bahrainis to take up private-sector jobs by guaranteeing timely wage payments while giving businesses a reason to employ local talent,” said MP Alawi, speaking on behalf of the proposal’s supporters. Despite Tamkeen’s objections, the Services Committee has backed the proposal, recommending it for approval. Committee Chairman Mamdouh Al Saleh said: “Direct wage payments would make a meaningful difference to workers’ stability and financial well-being.”