100% Wage Support Proposed to Encourage Private Sector Hiring

Member of Parliament Mohammed Yousif Al-Maarifi has submitted a proposal calling on the government to further develop the National Employment Program by increasing wage support for new hires to 100% of their salaries for a period of three years. The plan also calls for mechanisms that ensure job stability for employees once the support period ends.

According to the explanatory note attached to the proposal, the program—currently offered through the Labour Fund (Tamkeen)—was designed to encourage Bahraini talent to enter the private sector and to support companies committed to hiring local staff. By providing financial incentives, the program helps firms attract skilled national workers while giving jobseekers a stronger start in their careers.

The note highlighted that the program is one of Bahrain’s most important initiatives to boost employment and reduce unemployment rates. Enhancing it with full wage support for three years would ease financial burdens on businesses, making them more willing to hire jobseekers. Employers would still be required to cover government fees and allowances, while committing to retain employees for at least three years—creating a more stable work environment.

To protect workers, the proposal also suggests safeguards to ensure job continuity after the support period ends. For example, penalties could be imposed on companies that terminate employees immediately after their probation period, or before the three-year commitment is fulfilled. Such measures would strengthen accountability and reinforce compliance with labor laws.

Al-Maarifi’s proposal stressed that developing the National Employment Program is a crucial step toward expanding job opportunities for Bahrainis. With stronger financial backing and firm commitments from businesses, the initiative could deliver positive outcomes that support both sustainable development and workforce stability in the Kingdom.