MPs propose to ‘double’ jobseekers’ allowances

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Jobseekers in Bahrain may have their monthly allowances doubled to BD400 for university graduates and BD300 for non-graduates, under a proposal by a group of MPs.

The suggestion comes at a time when the Unemployment Fund is consistently recording annual surpluses, with its revenues exceeding the amounts paid out to beneficiaries.

MPs Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, Khalid Buanaq, Jalila Al Sayed, Zainab AbdulAmeer, and Abdulwahid Qarata have joined forces to push for this change, arguing that the current allowances of BD200 for graduates and BD150 for non-graduates no longer cover basic financial obligations.

Surplus

The MPs pointed out that the fund’s surplus could be redirected to better serve its original purpose: supporting those searching for work.

MP Al Nuaimi, a leading supporter of the proposal, said the current payments fail to address the rising living costs that many citizens are grappling with.

“Doubling these payments will ease financial pressures on families and provide jobseekers with the breathing space to focus on securing suitable roles, whether they are university graduates or not,” he explained.

Al Nuaimi also argued that this increase would relieve economic strain on families and improve their day-to-day lives.

The proposal seeks to make better use of the fund’s surplus, ensuring that it benefits those it was designed to support.

The increase, according to Al Nuaimi, would also provide much-needed support for families, helping jobseekers maintain stability while continuing their employment search.

He expressed hope that the proposal would be acted on soon, describing it as a step towards improving the financial wellbeing of Bahrain’s young people and their families.

“This is about making sure the fund serves its real purpose — helping those who need it most,” Al Nuaimi added.