Big Policy Moves in Bahrain

Three Major Decisions Shape Economic and Social Agenda

TDT | Manama

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The Shura Council referred a draft law back to committee for further review, postponing proposed amendments that would increase job quotas for people with disabilities in the private sector and introduce mandatory hiring priorities in selected government posts.

The bill, already approved by Parliament, sought to amend Articles 11 and 12 of Law No. 74 of 2006, raising the private sector employment quota for people with disabilities from 2 per cent to 4 per cent for companies employing 50 or more workers. It also proposed making it mandatory for the government to specify posts where qualified applicants with disabilities would receive hiring priority.

The decision followed a divided debate in the chamber, with lawmakers split between those arguing the current legal framework is sufficient and others insisting stronger measures are needed to address gaps in employment opportunities.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ghanim Al Buainain said the proposed amendment conflicted with the Civil Service Law, particularly the shift from an optional ministerial power to a binding obligation in government hiring procedures.

Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi supported the committee’s position, stating that the existing law already provides flexibility to enhance employment rates through activation and cooperation with the private sector.

He also noted that Bahrain’s latest figures show 15,644 persons with disabilities, including groups not currently eligible for work. Supporters of the bill argued that many qualified individuals remain unemployed despite their readiness to work.

They questioned labour market interpretations and cited long-standing job applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

The Services Committee had recommended against approving the bill, citing concerns over implementation rather than legal gaps. It also pointed to compliance issues in the private sector, noting that a large majority of eligible firms have not met the existing 2 per cent quota.

Labour Ministry data presented during discussions showed varying annual employment figures for people with disabilities, alongside a limited number of registered jobseekers, raising further questions over the proposed quota increase.

Starting Pay for Graduates in Private Sector to BD500

Starting salaries for Bahraini jobseekers entering private companies have been increased to BD500 for university graduates, under updated labour market schemes introduced in November 2023, the Labour Ministry confirmed in a written reply to MP Jaleela Alawi.

Under the revised structure, diploma holders will receive BD430, while those with secondary education or below will start at BD350. The ministry clarified that private sector wages are not uniformly fixed but vary depending on sector, job type, qualifications, experience and market demand.

It noted that the average monthly wage for Bahrainis in the private sector reached BD892 in the third quarter of 2025, based on Social Insurance Organisation data covering around 105,000 workers.

The ministry linked the salary adjustments to national employment and career development programmes implemented through Tamkeen, aimed at supporting 50,000 Bahrainis annually through job entry, career progression and private sector development initiatives.

Bahrain Moves to Finalise Tax Deal with Jersey

The Shura Council approved a draft law ratifying an agreement between Bahrain and Jersey aimed at eliminating double taxation on income and curbing tax evasion and avoidance.

The Council also agreed to fast-track the legislation under urgent procedures, referring it to the Speaker of Parliament for onward submission to the Prime Minister and His Majesty the King for final approval.

The agreement, attached to Decree No. 66 of 2025, provides a legal framework to ensure that income is not taxed in both jurisdictions while strengthening cooperation in tax transparency and information exchange.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, rapporteur of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said the deal would enhance trade, investment, and financial cooperation between the two sides. He noted that Bahrain currently maintains 49 double taxation agreements globally