Bahrain marks International Workers' Day

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Economic Recovery Plan launched by Bahrain focuses on generating promising job opportunities for the citizens and making them the first choice in the labour market, said Jameel Humaidan, the Labour and Social Development Minister.

The minister said this marked the “International ‘Workers’ Day” observed worldwide on May 1.

On behalf of all workers, the minister congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Humaidan also affirmed HM the King’s unwavering support for workers’ rights and gains, hailing the royal directives for creating promising job opportunities.

The plan aims to create 20,000 jobs for Bahrainis and train 10,000 Bahrainis annually until 2024.

It includes a long-term National Labour Market Strategy, a review of labour fees and a new ‘Tamkeen Strategy’ (the public authority that supports the development of the private sector) to continue upskilling the Bahraini workforce.

“The total number of Bahrainis employed in the private sector reached 7,740 in the first quarter of 2022, which constitutes 39% of the total target number and an increase of 32% compared to the same period in 2021,” said the minister.

The minister also said that the ministry, in partnership with Tamkeen and Labour Market Regulatory Authority, is working on projects to support workers, ensure their rights and job stability, and wage support programmes. The minister further said that Bahraini law prohibits any form of discrimination between men and women, especially concerning wages.

The percentage of Bahraini women participation in the total workforce in 2021 was 43%, and 32% in 2012.

Owners of active commercial registration increased from 39% in 2012 to 41% in the third quarter of 2021.

Separately, the Council of Representatives extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, marking the Workers’ Day 2022.

The Council also lauded the landmark accomplishments attained by Bahraini workers under HM the King’s comprehensive development march.

“Pillars of any success”

In a statement, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh praised the dedicated efforts of the national competencies in supporting the development march and sustainable economic growth in Bahrain.

The Shura Council Chairman commended the government’s programmes for the citizens, lauding the direct follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Marking the International Labour Day, the Shura Council Chairman expressed appreciation of the remarkable role of the Bahraini workers, describing them as one of the pillars of any success achieved by Bahrain.

He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain has a developed legislative system that underlines the protection of labour rights.

He also stressed the keenness of the Shura Council on passing and upgrading laws aimed at keeping abreast of continuous development in the labour sector.

“Preserve jobs”

Separately, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, expressed pride in the pivotal role played by Bahraini workers in enriching national achievements.

The speaker praised Bahraini workers’ contributions to supporting the national efforts exerted by Team Bahrain, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

She further called on production parties to coordinate their efforts to preserve jobs and ensure their stability.