01-03-2025
Parliamentarians urge four-year job market review to curb unemployment
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A four-year job market review is on Parliament's agenda, with MPs pushing for regular assessments to track workforce shortages and guide graduates toward high-demand fields. Set for debate on Tuesday, the proposal is framed as a way to curb unemployment and align university courses with real job prospects.
MPs Lulwa Al Rumaihi, Najeeb Al Kuwari, Mohammed Al Jaleela Alawi, Services Committee Chairman, and Maryam Al Sayegh spearheaded the plan, which has gained full backing from a joint committee of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee and the Services Committee.
The committee argues that structured reviews would provide a clearer picture of workforce needs and prevent young Bahrainis from pursuing degrees for jobs that don't exist. "This study will help students make better career choices and ensure young Bahrainis aren't left in limbo with degrees that employers have no use for," Al Rumaihi said.
The Civil Service Bureau, which was consulted on the matter, acknowledged its role in aligning education with job market needs. "Aligning education with workforce needs is a shared responsibility," the bureau said in a written response. "The government is continuously working to keep education in step with labor market requirements."
The report, however, calls for a more structured and long-term approach to prevent mismatches and enhance hiring efficiency.
The proposal cites Article 13 of the Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure employment opportunities and fair working conditions. Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam formally referred the proposal to the committee in November.
