New National Employment Programme to further support unemployed citizens

Improving the government’s financial support for unemployed Bahrainis and increasing fees collected from expatriates who utilise the Flexible Visa are among the new initiatives within the National Employment Programme announced yesterday. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday launched the National Employment Programme at the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace. In line with the directives of HRH the Premier and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the programme is designed to make citizens the first choice of employment in the private and public sectors.

A press conference was held at Gudaibiya Palace, yesterday in the presence of Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, Zayed Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Jameel Humaidan, the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Ghanem Al Buainain, the Minister of Shura Council and Representatives Council Affairs, Ayman Al Moayed, the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs and Dr Ibrahim Janahi, the CEO of Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen).

The officials unveiled four key initiatives within the National Employment Programme, which includes, launching an awareness campaign to encourage citizens to register in the National Employment Programme, amending the unemployment insurance draft law (78/2006) in order to increase compensation fees, Increasing fees associated with the Parallel Bahrainisation System and the Flexible Work Permit and redesigning Tamkeen’s Training and Wage Support Programme. “The National Employment Programme builds on the Kingdom’s long-standing efforts to further improve citizens’ living standards, in line with HM the King’s comprehensive development programme,” the Finance Minister said.

Meanwhile, the fees associated with the Parallel Bahrainisation System will see an increase from BD300 to BD500, while the Flexible Work Permit registration fees will be increased from BD 200 to BD 500, with a recurring monthly payment worth BD30. Mr Humaidan encouraged the citizens to register in the National Employment Programme, while affirming that the ministry continues to assess and monitor unemployment rates in accordance with international best practices. It was also revealed that proposed amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Draft Law (78/2006) would help unemployed Bahrainis and empower them in the job market.

The minister outlined that adjustments to unemployment insurance are broken down as follows: An increase from BD150 to BD200 for university degree holders, an increase from BD120 to BD150 for those without a degree and an increase in compensation fees paid for dismissed employees reaching a maximum amount of BD1,000 (up from BD500) and extending compensation period from six to nine months. “In line with the directive of HRH the Crown Prince, the Ministry will continue to empower Bahrain’s youth with the skill-set they need to compete in a diverse market.” said Mr Al Moayed.

The minister also noted that, in response to the directive of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the ministry will continue to prioritise programmes and initiatives aimed at swiftly integrating Bahraini graduates into the labour market, highlighting in particular the important role the private sector plays in providing opportunities for new graduates.

Dr Janahi highlighted that the National Employment Programme will pave the way for redesigning Tamkeen’s Wage Support Programme within one month. The CEO outlined that under the current Wage Support Programme, Tamkeen’s contribution is focused on new graduates as well as experienced employees.