Labour Ministry: Employers can specify jobseeker specialisations, main qualifications

TDT | Manama

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The Labour Ministry has confirmed that its hiring system allows jobseekers to specify their sub-specialisations alongside their main qualifications, allowing employers to request both when posting vacancies.

In a written response to Parliament, the ministry stated that most administrative roles are open to applicants from a range of academic backgrounds and that work history is also considered.

The ministry explained that its online recruitment system enables employers to specify sub-specialisations, so jobseekers can apply accordingly.

“Employers are not restricted from requesting specific sub-specialisations,” it said. “For many roles, particularly in administrative fields, candidates from various disciplines are eligible. However, regulated professions such as healthcare, law, engineering, and teaching must meet licensing requirements.”

Work history

While experience is not mandatory for most vacancies, the ministry noted that employers can review a candidate’s work history through Social Insurance Organisation records and uploaded CVs.

It added that the system is regularly updated to include new degrees and specialisations, so employers can request them in job postings.

The ministry outlined its efforts to train and prepare Bahrainis for job market demands.

Skills and experience

Several programmes, in partnership with Tamkeen, aim to equip jobseekers with practical skills and experience.

A Bahrain Polytechnic retraining programme is helping 3,000 university graduates transition into high-demand fields.

The on-the-job training programme (Furas) provides a monthly stipend of BD200 to unemployed graduates undertaking workplace training, while non-graduates receive BD150.

Training

The Dhamaan programme places jobseekers in private-sector roles, guaranteeing employment after training.

The Tamheed initiative helps applicants retrain for fields with available jobs.

Apprenticeship schemes also exist, with the government covering half of trainees’ wages for up to three years.