05-05-2025
Bahrain, ILO Highlight Labour Achievements at High-Level Roundtable
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), held a high-level roundtable to showcase Bahrain's progress in upholding workers' rights and promoting fair labour practices.
The event, titled 'Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work: Reviewing Bahraini Successes in Promoting Social Justice and Workers' Rights,' took place on the sidelines of the Bab Al Bahrain Forum and brought together key representatives from the government, employers, and trade unions.
Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Labour, the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU), the Free Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (FFBTU), and senior figures from the ILO. Discussions centred around strengthening cooperation, particularly in areas such as occupational safety, social dialogue, and sustainable workplace development.
In his welcome remarks, Khalid Mohammed Najibi, First Vice Chairman of BCCI, reaffirmed the private sector's commitment to supporting labour rights and social justice, aligned with international standards.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised Bahrain's balanced labour system and its commitment to protecting the rights of both employers and workers. He commended the Kingdom for being a trusted partner of the ILO in the region and for its forward-thinking legislation.
His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, highlighted ongoing reforms to enhance labour laws for a more sustainable and fair job market. He also acknowledged the role of the Social Insurance Fund in protecting workers and supporting economic resilience.
Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) CEO Nibras Talib emphasized Bahrain's leadership in addressing workforce challenges and commended its swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade union leaders, including Abdulqader Abdulkarim Al Shehabi (GFBTU) and Yaqoub Yusuf (FFBTU), echoed appreciation for Bahrain's inclusive labour policies and called for continued improvements to ensure equality for all workers—Bahraini and expatriate alike.
The session concluded with a unified call to continue advancing Bahrain's labour market through cooperation, dialogue, and policy reforms in line with international labour standards.
