Tough times for job hunters

Manama : Despite introducing various schemes to generate more jobs, the rate of unemployment continues to rise in the Kingdom with 4.3 percent more people now seeking work here than at the same time last year, it has emerged.

The figures released by officials show that a total of 8485 Bahrainis were left without jobs at the end of 2016, which is an increase of 1539 job seekers from the same period in 2015.

“The rates of unemployment among citizens have increased to 4.3pc last year, in comparison with 3.5pc and 3.8pc in the previous two years,” revealed Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel Humaidan. The minister’s statements came in reply to the queries of MP Osama Al Khaja.

Humaidam confirmed that the ministry is  pursuing solid schemes to provide Bahraini job seekers with permanent employment, citing several training and rehabilitation programmes by the ministry for graduates and unemployed citizens, which is in line with the requirements of the local job market.

“A total of 2241 Bahrainis were trained last year and 285 this year. 11,489 trainees were employed since 2011. Earlier, 1374 establishments had agreed to hire Bahrainis who finished their training programmes with the ministry in 2016. As a result, 2496 trainees, out of which 1555 are university graduates, were employed last year,” Humaidan said. 

The minister also announced that the issue of unemployment will be discussed in detail during the upcoming weekly session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.