One graduate per 50 employees rule under Parliamentary review

TDT | Manama

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A Shura Council proposal set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday would require companies with 50 or more employees to hire university graduates nominated by the Ministry of Labour for on-the-job training of at least three months—at a rate of one trainee per 50 workers.

The Council’s Services Committee has recommended rejecting the amendment, saying the requirement is already covered by existing law.

In its report, the committee noted that Article 16 of the current law already obliges employers to train jobseekers in certain professions, with the number of trainees and training conditions determined by ministerial decisions. The committee said the existing law applies to all companies, regardless of size, and to jobseekers with different qualifications. In contrast, the new proposal would limit the obligation to university graduates and only to larger firms, while repeating rules on trainee allowances already included elsewhere in the law.

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, however, said the proposal is important and would not require public funding, noting that on-the-job training is already supported by the Ministry of Labour through the Labour Fund, Tamkeen.

The government urged MPs to reconsider, arguing the draft adds no new rules and that current laws already cover the same objectives. Tamkeen agreed, saying the aims of the proposal are already part of its remit.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry said existing legislation already meets the goal but cautioned that the draft does not clarify potential costs for employers, including social insurance registration and other operational expenses.

Labour groups offered mixed reactions. The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions welcomed a greater private-sector role in training and hiring, saying it could help graduates enter the workforce sooner and help companies identify talent. The Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation (Al Hurr) also supported the draft.

MPs are expected to debate the amendment on Tuesday, with the Services Committee recommending rejection and the government arguing that current laws already impose similar obligations.