13,570 Bahrainis received pay rises, 15,580 hired in 2024 through government programmes
About 13,570 Bahrainis received pay rises averaging BD80 last year through a government-backed scheme, while 15,580 others landed new jobs with the help of national employment programmes, the government has told Parliament.
The push came through the Labour Fund, Tamkeen, which runs a string of schemes aimed at nudging private firms to raise wages and offer proper training.
The wage top-up programme, said the government, played a direct role in lifting salaries last year.
Meanwhile, the updated version of the National Employment Programme nudged up average starting pay for new hires by BD60.
Main tracks
New recruits were placed through five main tracks: the employment programme itself, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, private job centres, and support for those still hunting work.
The government said private sector salaries have moved steadily upwards, rising from an average of BD757 in 2021 to BD853 in 2024 — a gain of 12.7 per cent over four years.
Around 25,840 workers in the private sector received further help to move forward in their careers.
Schemes
That came through various schemes including leadership placement, funding for professional certificates, in-house training support, specialist skills schemes, and a programme offering overseas experience.
In its submission to Parliament, the government said it plans to assist 50,000 Bahrainis each year in 2025 and 2026 — whether through job placements or by helping existing employees move up the ladder.
It hopes to see 13,000 people newly employed in 2025 and improve the prospects of another 37,000 through pay increases, skills training, or certification.
Funding schemes
Around 9,000 private businesses are expected to receive support this year through funding schemes, a business growth plan, help for start-ups, and a set of development tools aimed at smaller enterprises.
The government said its focus in the new budget will be on giving citizens a stronger foothold in the private sector, matching graduates with job market needs, keeping workplaces steady, and opening more paths into skilled trades.
It also said it would continue to support the hiring of Bahraini women and people with disabilities, and keep offering incentives for firms that take on local staff.
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