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Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: 100% Tamkeen wage support urged to boost employment
Bahrain - A proposal to bolster Bahrain's National Employment Programme by increasing wage support to 100 per cent and introducing new mechanisms to ensure job stability has sparked debate among legislators. The proposal by Parliament's financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Marafi, submitted formally to Parliament yesterday, calls on the government to develop the current programme administered by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) by fully covering employees' salaries during the support period, and ensuring workers' long-term retention after the support ends. In his explanatory memorandum, Mr Al Marafi highlighted the importance of Tamkeen's wage support initiative, describing it as one of the most significant efforts to promote employment and reduce unemployment among Bahrainis. 'Tamkeen's wage support programme is a key driver in helping Bahraini talent start their careers in the private sector and in encouraging institutions committed to employing national cadres,' said Mr Al Marafi. 'However, it is necessary to develop the programme to meet the current demands of the labour market.' Under the current system, Tamkeen offers several options: * Three-year programme: 70pc wage support in the first year, 50pc in the second, and 30pc in the third. * Alternative three-year programme: 50pc wage support consistently over three years. * Five-year programme: 30pc wage support throughout. * Special provisions: 40pc wage support for engineers over five years, and an additional 10pc support for candidates with disabilities across all categories. Mr Al Marafi argued that increasing the wage support to 100pc would alleviate the financial burden on companies and incentivise them to hire Bahraini jobseekers. 'This proposal will encourage companies to recruit jobseekers by reducing their financial responsibilities, making them more willing to absorb national manpower,' he said. 'It would also create a more stable employment environment, with companies committing to keeping employees for at least three years.' He suggested penalties for companies that terminate employees prematurely. 'We must establish mechanisms ensuring that if an employee continues to work after completing the probationary period under the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law, it is considered a sign of satisfaction with their performance,' Mr Al Marafi explained. 'Companies that dismiss employees after the probationary period, but before completing the three-year term should face penalties to reinforce the commitment to labour stability.' Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam referred the proposal to the services committee for review in co-ordination with relevant authorities. However, the proposal drew a cautious response from some legislators, including the vice-chairman of the services committee, Mohammed Al Olaiwi, who defended the current partial support structure. 'I am not saying the proposal is wrong, but it encourages dependence rather than empowerment,' he said. '100pc wage support means someone is just getting employed to do work for a business with the government paying all as if it were the employer.' Mr Al Olaiwi argued that the existing system, which requires employers to share the wage burden, better prepares companies to sustainably retain workers once the government support ends. 'The current mechanism is more realistic,' he said. 'Employers must take responsibility for paying wages. Otherwise, when the government support ends, companies may simply terminate workers instead of retaining them.' The services committee is expected to issue a report with its recommendations after completing its review of the proposal. mohammed@
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Proposal on construction work timing is approved
Bahrain - A proposal to prohibit construction, demolition, digging or drilling during specified hours or days in residential neighbourhoods was approved by the Shura Council unanimously yesterday. Five members, led by Leena Qassim, last year proposed the inclusion of a new article to the 1977 Buildings Law to restrict work during certain hours and days following public complaints. Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh had forwarded it to the public utilities and environment affairs committee for review in March. Mr Al Saleh The panel recommended that it be given the go-ahead following an additional amendment to include 'exceptions' that would be determined by the responsible ministry. Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan said a balanced approach was necessary to protect people's peace of mind and ensure developmental progress is not disrupted. Dr Al Hassan 'There are work and submission deadlines for projects that should be respected and sometimes it is required that work is done at night,' he said. 'This comes as to ensure people are able to go to work or school without getting stuck in traffic.' Ms Qassim Ms Qassim said Bahrain was witnessing a surge in urban development that has seen the emergence of new social housing towns and projects and generally an increase in the number of housing units, apartment buildings and residential villas. 'The construction sector continues to grow with numerous real estate and social homes financing programmes launched by the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry,' she added. 'However, contractors of road, sewage and electricity and water infrastructure projects cannot show up on site whenever they like and start their work. 'Why can't construction work be done in a sensible way? Residents must be alerted about the timings or noise buffers must be used.' Member Dr Fatima Al Kooheji suggested that the ban should be extended to include educational areas. Dr Al Kooheji 'Students find it difficult to concentrate and focus when there are construction, demolition, digging or drilling work ongoing,' she added. 'Imagine if it is exam time.' Member Dr Abdulaziz Abul said the issue was irritating especially when people are trying to rest during the weekend and public holidays. 'Also, working early in the morning robs people of much-needed sleep as they try going to work or school.' Meanwhile, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the restrictions sought in the law were already being implemented through the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law. He also pointed out that the chosen law is wrong considering it deals with construction regulations related to permits, and technical and structural assessment and has no reference whatsoever to timings. 'The Supreme Council for the Environment can easily tackle the issue of noise through its jurisdictions and authorities,' he said. 'Environmental rules deal with pollution including noise levels and work timings. 'However, we believe that the amended version gives us flexibility to decide on necessary action should there be a need to work off days or hours whenever the legislation is passed.' Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi pointed out that determining work hours would come under her authority as head of urban planning and development. Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah stressed the need to better communicate with citizens and residents regarding the timings of construction work. The legislation will be now drafted as a proper law by the government within six months. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
