MPs approve new support measures for unemployment

Parliament approved urgent measures to support job seekers who lost unemployment benefits due to technical issues in the Ministry of Labour system. Lawmakers said the disruptions led to interruptions in application processing and, in some cases, the suspension of benefits for individuals who were still actively seeking employment.

MP Hanan Fardan said many affected applicants met eligibility requirements and continued attending interviews and fulfilling obligations, but were impacted by system errors or administrative delays beyond their control. MPs also raised concerns about reliance on older rejection decisions to determine current eligibility, calling for a more updated and flexible approach in assessing cases.

During discussions, members highlighted that some job seekers face additional challenges such as illness, pregnancy, and family responsibilities, which are not always fully accounted for in existing procedures.

The approved proposal includes restoring support to affected individuals, reviewing suspended cases linked to technical issues, and strengthening safeguards to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Lawmakers said the decision aims to ensure continued assistance for those dependent on unemployment support, particularly during unforeseen system failures.