Workers sharing a boon for Bahrain Cos

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain's new worker-sharing framework could help businesses manage fluctuating workloads, reduce recruitment costs and make better use of foreign workers already licensed to work in the Kingdom, MPs said.

MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen said the changes give businesses a clearer way to handle temporary staffing needs through defined and officially registered procedures.

The rules allow workers to be moved between businesses owned by the same employer or within the same group. They also allow a foreign worker to work for another employer for up to three months, with Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) approval and the consent of the worker and both employers.

Dr Al Dhaen said both employers would remain responsible for protecting the worker's rights during the three-month period.

She stressed that the flexibility must go hand in hand with creating more job opportunities for Bahrainis and ensuring full compliance with Bahrainisation rules.

MP Jalal Kadhem said the move matched a legislative proposal he had previously submitted to allow firms to make short-term use of foreign workers already licensed to work in Bahrain.

He said companies would not need to bring in new workers from abroad whenever they faced a temporary surge in demand.

"This kind of regulation helps cut recruitment costs, supports small and medium-sized businesses and gives firms a clear legal route to make use of workers already in Bahrain," he said.

Mr Kadhem also said the system could help curb irregular work by bringing such arrangements under formal rules and oversight.

He reiterated that the added flexibility must not come at the expense of Bahraini jobseekers or Bahrainisation requirements.

War, terrorism and AI on agenda as Bahrain lawmakers head to Tanzania

Bahraini lawmakers are heading to Tanzania for a global parliamentary summit where they will join the race to choose a new Inter-Parliamentary Union president and debate issues ranging from war and terrorism to artificial intelligence and food security.

The five-day 153rd IPU Assembly will be held in Arusha from October 8 to 12, with Bahrain's delegation led by Jamal Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council.

Hala Ramzi will serve as deputy head of the delegation, joined by MPs Ahmed Al Saloom, Hassan Ebrahim, Zainab Abdulameer and Ali Saqer Al Dosari.

The assembly will elect its president and vice-presidents and choose a new IPU president. Members will also consider requests for emergency agenda items and discuss major international developments.

This year's theme is "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all", linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

The Bahraini delegation will take part in meetings of the Gulf, Arab, Islamic and Asian parliamentary groups to discuss common positions and cooperation.

The programme includes the 218th Session of the IPU Governing Council, the Women Parliamentarians' Forum and meetings involving young MPs.

Bahraini lawmakers will also participate in committees covering democracy and human rights, international peace and security, UN affairs and sustainable development. An open session will focus on respect for international humanitarian law.

Bahrain is also due to participate in the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Latin American and Caribbean geopolitical group and GCC parliaments within the IPU.

Workshops during the assembly will examine parliamentary responses to terrorism, oversight of extractive industries, mental health across generations and the ethical use of AI in protecting children's rights.

Other sessions will address access to healthy food amid climate change, digital violence in politics, enforcement of international humanitarian law and the role of women in diplomacy and peacebuilding.

The Bahraini delegation will also attend a hearing featuring candidates for the IPU presidency.