Latest news with #Bahrainisation
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Minister applauds Zain's Bahrainisation drive
TDT | Manama Minister visits Zain Bahrain, praises national workforce His Excellency Yousef bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, paid a visit to Zain Bahrain on Tuesday as part of continued efforts to boost cooperation between the Ministry and companies leading Bahrainisation in the private sector. The visit came in recognition of Zain Bahrain's status as one of the top performers in employing Bahraini nationals during the first quarter of the year. H.E. met with the company's Managing Director Mohammed Abdullah Zainalabedin and a number of senior executives. fhch Commending efforts During the visit, H.E. reviewed Zain Bahrain's strategy to attract and retain national talent across departments. He was briefed on how the telecom operator has embedded Bahraini professionals into its core operations, particularly in the provision of mobile communications services. The company's approach reflects its confidence in the abilities and dedication of the local workforce. As H.E. toured the company's departments, he also interacted with several Bahraini employees and heard first-hand accounts of their career journeys. H.E. expressed appreciation for the supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and contributes to economic development. Call for support H.E. called on private sector institutions to align with government objectives by prioritising the employment of Bahrainis and creating meaningful career pathways for them. He said doing so would not only help national efforts but also ensure sustainable business success by drawing on the talent and loyalty of the local population. Zain's commitment Zain Bahrain's Managing Director affirmed the company's commitment to being a model for private sector involvement in national workforce development. He described employees as the organisation's most valuable asset and highlighted ongoing investments in training, innovation, and digital empowerment to build future leaders. Zain Bahrain, he said, remains dedicated to promoting sustainable employment and playing a proactive role in the Kingdom's development. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for public-private partnerships to continue advancing Bahrain's human capital
Daily Tribune
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council Sends Education Bill Back for Revision Over Implementation Concerns
The Shura Council has voted to return a draft education bill for further review after members raised concerns about the potential consequences and vague language of the proposal. The bill seeks to amend Decree-Law No. 25 of 1998 to prioritise the employment of qualified Bahraini nationals in private schools and training institutes, in a bid to support graduates struggling to find public sector teaching roles. While the initiative aligns with Bahrain's Bahrainisation efforts, members questioned whether the proposed law, in its current form, could lead to confusion, be difficult to enforce, or produce unintended outcomes. Clear Intent Needed Lina Qassim, rapporteur for the committee reviewing the bill, said the proposal aimed to reinforce Bahrainisation by translating policy into enforceable law. 'The idea is to ensure that these efforts are applied consistently, not left vulnerable to changing interpretations,' she told the Council. However, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs H.E. Ghanim Al Buainain urged caution, saying the draft was 'too loose' and could be easily circumvented. He cited previous legislation in the health sector that included specific provisions for positions requiring rare skills — a level of detail lacking in the current bill. Merit vs Nationality Al Buainain also stressed that while giving Bahrainis a fair chance was important, hiring decisions should remain merit-based. 'If qualifications are equal, then preference can be given to Bahrainis — but merit must lead,' he said. Training and Support Needed Dr. Ahmed Al Arrayedh called for stronger training initiatives, recalling how Bahrainis were once sent abroad for education and returned to become successful educators. 'We must invest in building the capability to ensure long-term success,' he said. First Deputy Chairman Jamal Fakhro echoed the sentiment, stressing that no legislation can substitute for clear intent and strategic planning by institutions. 'You identify what the job needs, then train Bahrainis accordingly,' he said. Calls for Clarification and Penalties Legal Committee Chair Dalal Al Zayed pointed out the lack of enforcement mechanisms in the bill. 'There are no penalties for non-compliance, and private institutions haven't been consulted,' she said, also highlighting challenges faced by local graduates, including a lack of diplomas and poor English proficiency in some subjects. Dr. Jameela Al Salman, head of the Services Committee, argued that the draft reflects current legislative direction and provides room for future adjustments. She noted that employing Bahraini teachers not only supports the economy but also reinforces local culture in the classroom.
Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Thumbs Up For 50% Bahrainisation In Privatised Projects
Lawmakers have passed a new rule forcing companies that take over state services to hire Bahrainis for at least half the jobs, in an attempt to curb the dominance of expat workers in privatised sectors. The proposed amendment requires any firm contracting with the government under a privatisation deal to ensure that no less than fifty per cent of its staff are Bahraini. The proposal was submitted by MPs Dr Muneer Seroor, Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed and Lulwa Al Romaihi. It cleared the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee without objection before being sent to the full chamber, which approved it yesterday. Sectors The rule applies across a swathe of sectors including transport, energy, water, tourism, telecoms, ports, post and oil services, where government assets or responsibilities have been handed over to private firms. Al Romaihi, speaking in the chamber, said the change was meant to reduce the side effects of privatisation. 'Privatisation may deliver economic returns, but it often comes with higher costs for the public,' she said. 'A fifty per cent Bahrainisation requirement offers some measure of security for those who might otherwise be shut out.' Closer watch She added that the state must keep a closer watch on the companies it contracts to make sure they meet the terms of the law. Also read: Gold And Oil Scam Cons Victims Out Of BD97,000
Bahrain News Gazette
23-04-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Labour Undersecretary Visits Payment Services Company to Review Employment Initiatives
Manama: His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, visited Global Payment Services Company as part of efforts to enhance cooperation with private-sector companies supporting national initiatives to integrate Bahraini jobseekers into the labour market. According to Bahrain News Agency, during the visit, the Undersecretary met with Yusuf Ali Mirza, Chairman of the company's Board of Directors, and senior executives. He was briefed on the company's employment tracks for Bahrainis across departments specialising in electronic payment solutions and financial services support. The Undersecretary commended the company's strategy to recruit and empower Bahraini talent in managing its operations, stressing the importance of investing in national human capital as a key driver of development. He highlighted government incentives for private-sector companies aimed at making Bahrainis the preferred choice in all sectors, particularly the growing financial sector, which offers quality employment opportunities. He also expressed appreciation for the company's support of the Ministry's employment programmes. On his part, the Chairman affirmed that Bahrainisation at the company has reached 84%, reaffirming confidence in national talent and praising the Ministry's role in equipping citizens with the skills needed across productive sectors.
Daily Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Thumbs up for 50% Bahrainisation in privatised projects
Lawmakers have passed a new rule forcing companies that take over state services to hire Bahrainis for at least half the jobs, in an attempt to curb the dominance of expat workers in privatised sectors. The proposed amendment requires any firm contracting with the government under a privatisation deal to ensure that no less than fifty per cent of its staff are Bahraini. The proposal was submitted by MPs Dr Muneer Seroor, Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed and Lulwa Al Romaihi. It cleared the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee without objection before being sent to the full chamber, which approved it yesterday. Sectors The rule applies across a swathe of sectors including transport, energy, water, tourism, telecoms, ports, post and oil services, where government assets or responsibilities have been handed over to private firms. Al Romaihi, speaking in the chamber, said the change was meant to reduce the side effects of privatisation. 'Privatisation may deliver economic returns, but it often comes with higher costs for the public,' she said. 'A fifty per cent Bahrainisation requirement offers some measure of security for those who might otherwise be shut out.' She added that the state must keep a closer watch on the companies it contracts to make sure they meet the terms of the law.
