MPs urge new start-up track for Bahraini accountants

TDT | Manama

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Tamkeen is being urged to help more Bahrainis become self-employed accountants, as Parliament prepares to debate a proposal on Tuesday. The plan calls for a new entrepreneurship programme for people who want to work in accounting, bookkeeping or auditing.

The proposal was submitted by MPs Jaleela Alawi, Dr Hisham Al Ashiri, Mohsen Al Asbool, Khalid Buanaq and Mohammed Janahi, and the Services Committee has recommended that Parliament approve it.

MPs say these professions need better quality control and more properly licensed Bahraini workers. They warn that some people are doing accounting and audit work without registration, and believe a Tamkeen start-up programme would help fresh Bahraini graduates enter the field and reduce unemployment.

The MPs also point out that Bahrain’s laws already limit bookkeeping a n d auditing to Bahraini nationals. With many accounting graduates struggling to find jobs, they say an entrepreneurship track would help them start their own firms. Rising demand for tax-related services, they add, makes it even more important to improve skills and standards.

In its response, Tamkeen said it supports the idea but noted that it already helps the sector by fully funding professional qualifications such as ACCA and other recognised certificates. It also highlighted its existing entrepreneurship programmes and training for business owners. Tamkeen said it is ready to continue working with Parliament on projects that benefit the public.

The Youth Pioneer Society also backed the proposal. It said one reason for high unemployment among graduates is the mismatch between university training and real labour-market needs. The society called for stronger training standards, better teaching, more private-sector investment in training institutes, a refreshed role for the Bahrain Training Institute, and more practical placements for students.

After reviewing all opinions, the Services Committee unanimously recommended approval, saying the proposal clearly supports public interest by raising professional standards and creating opportunities for young Bahraini accounting graduates.