Why does Public Sector has More Takers In Bahrain?

Manama

 “Why does a majority of Bahrainis prefer employment in the public sector, rather than the private,” was a bold question that was raised by a lawmaker before the labour authorities in the Kingdom, a few days back.

 This was underlined during Parliament Council weekly meeting on Tuesday, while discussing the reply of Labour Minister and Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Chairman Jameel Humaidan to MP Dr. Majeed Al Asfoor’s queries about the procedures taken by the ministry for ensuring Bahrainisation percentages in private sector.

 The MP pointed out several factors that attract citizens to the public sector and drive them away from employment in the private sector.

He said, “Citizens are drawn more towards working in the Government, mainly because of the fewer working hours. In the private sector, they’d have to work for over 10 hours, while in public sector, working hours don’t exceed beyond eight hours. Another reason is the big gap in wages, in comparison with the establishments in the private sector. That is in addition to the better chances of promotion. Some citizens remain in the same position for decades in the private sector.”

 “Jobs in the public sector are more secured. I have personally experienced some cases, where banks reject  loan applications for the simple reason that they work in a private sector company, where employees could be sacked for the simplest reasons,” Dr. Al Asfoor elaborated.

 The MP blasted another bomb when he insisted that “66 percent of Bahraini bachelor’s degree holders, who are working in the private sector, are paid less than BD250.”

 In reply to the Dr. Al Asfoor’s last claim, the minister confirmed the Labour Ministry provide a conditioned subvention to Bahrainis working in the private sector, who receive low wages.

 Humaidan also confirmed the ministry is sparing no effort in enhancing working conditions of citizens working in both sectors.

 Justifying his insisting queries, Dr. Al Asfoor clarified it’s his duty as a legislator to ensure employment stability of citizens, especially in the private sector, which he said “needs further observation and improvement to embrace local workforce.”