Bahrainisation: MP seeks sops for private sector

Manama : Private sector companies hiring Bahrainis should be given incentives to encourage Bahrainisation, MP Adel Hameed has said. 

“Private companies employing 80 per cent or more Bahrainis should be exempted from paying various fees to obtain permits,” MP Adel Hameed told DT News yesterday while explaining his proposal submitted.

“Offering more incentives and benefits to companies employing Bahrainis would contribute to Bahraini jobs and tackle the unemployment issue,” he said.

Hameed had raised the issue during an open discussion with Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan in May 2016 in the House of Representatives. The minister pledged back then to “look into the suggestion”.

“The ministry made many promises, but nothing is implemented in reality. I know companies in the private sector that consists of only Bahrainis. Yet, they are not granted any privileges and are treated the same way as other establishments that are not committed to Bahrainisation,” he said. He hinted that the proposal could be reintroduced as a bill to compel implementation by the government. “The proposal will help decrease unemployment, reduce pressure on authorities, which makes endless efforts to create employment opportunities for Bahrainis in the private sector to benefit the Kingdom’s economy”.

“Bahrainisation rates in many companies remain low. This increases the unemployment, especially university graduates. And, despite the great efforts of the concerned authorities, especially the Labour and Social Development Ministry, in raising the rates of Bahrainisation, the numbers are still very low,” he said.

When asked about his proposal to reduce fees, the MP said,“This will include all government fees on different permits, such as work permits and the other requirements of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry, in accordance with the nature of the business.” 

“Many companies provide the minimum required rate of Bahrainisation to avoid the application of the legal procedures against it for the violation of the rates of Bahrainisation rates. But, there are no real incentives for companies that take initiatives to raise rates of Bahrainis hired in them. There are some companies with high rates of Baharnisation that are not receiving the necessary encouragement. This reflects that there are gaps in the goals and objectives of this legal legislation,” the lawmaker added.