Latest news with #YousefKhalaf
Daily Tribune
23-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Labour Ministry Shifts Focus from Benefits to Training
Training rather than benefits has become the Labour Ministry's preferred method of tackling unemployment, as most of Bahrain's jobseekers enter the market with little to no experience. Last year, 12,033 jobseekers joined training schemes backed by the Labour Fund, Tamkeen. Some were placed in firms through the 'Furas' programme, while others attended targeted courses or short stints to improve their chances. A further 7,800 people — ranging from employees to students and small business owners — also took part, bringing the total number trained in 2024 to just under 20,000. Parliamentary Question The figures were shared by Acting Labour Minister and Minister for Legal Affairs, His Excellency Yousef Khalaf, in reply to a parliamentary question from MP Hassan Bukhamas. He said that out of 17,402 registered jobseekers in 2024, around 93 per cent had either never held a job or worked for less than a year. Women made up the majority, with 12,196 names on the list compared to 5,206 men. Most of those seeking work held university degrees — 10,325 in all. The most common were in management, marketing, and human resources (1,455), followed closely by accounting and finance (1,443). Others had studied law, Sharia, social sciences, medicine, engineering, teaching, computing, and languages. Training One jobseeker had trained in special education and learning difficulties. Another 6,153 applicants held only a secondary school qualification or less, and 924 had diplomas. Khalaf said no jobseeker's file is ever closed. Once someone is registered, their record remains active until they find work. Even if they stop receiving benefits, they stay on the ministry's books and are counted in unemployment figures. Payments Some have lost their payments. In 2024, 3,462 people were removed from the register. Just over 1,500 failed to check in online as required. Another 823 either turned down jobs, missed interviews, or refused to sign job offers they had previously accepted. A further 963 refused training. The final group — 1,043 in total — had not applied for any job or course in a three-month stretch. The ministry's figures paint a picture of a labour market shaped by first-timers and recent graduates, with the state now focusing more on hands-on training than cash allowances.
Gulf Insider
06-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Plan To Prioritise Bahraini Teachers In Private Schools Approved
A proposal to make private schools prioritise Bahraini teachers over expats—potentially affecting thousands of jobs—was approved by Parliament on Tuesday after being postponed from the 7th January session due to the Education Minister's absence. Lawmakers argue the move is needed to curb reliance on foreign hires and get more local graduates into work. Acting Labour Minister Yousef Khalaf assured MPs that the government is already laying the groundwork to help Bahrainis land these roles. 'We're putting together a training scheme with the Education Ministry to equip Bahrainis with the skills they need for jobs in private schools,' he said. 'The plan will be announced soon, and those keen to take part can sign up.' Education Minister Mohammed Mubarak Juma said efforts were already in motion to keep Bahrainis in the sector. 'Tamkeen is still helping to cover the wages of Bahrainis working in private schools,' he said, stressing that keeping jobs steady was key. He also confirmed that his ministry and Tamkeen were keeping an eye on contract terminations. 'We're across every case and will step in when needed.' Juma also addressed concerns over career progression, revealing that more than 5,300 education workers were promoted last year, including teachers, senior teachers, assistant principals, and principals. 'There are no promotions stuck in the pipeline,' he said. 'If a teacher has hit the top pay bracket or hasn't put in enough years yet, they're dealt with under the usual rules.' MPs backing the proposal say the Education Ministry can't take in all the job seekers knocking on its door, so private institutions need to pull their weight. The plan now moves to the next legislative step before it can take effect. Parliament's Services Committee came out in favour of the amendment, arguing that private institutions must shoulder more responsibility in addressing Bahrain's unemployment issues. Proponents of the law say it fills gaps in existing policies and ensures private schools contribute to hiring Bahrainis instead of relying heavily on expats.
Daily Tribune
05-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Plan to Prioritise Bahraini Teachers in Private Schools Approved
A proposal to make private schools prioritise Bahraini teachers over expats—potentially affecting thousands of jobs—was approved by Parliament on Tuesday after being postponed from the 7th January session due to the Education Minister's absence. Lawmakers argue the move is needed to curb reliance on foreign hires and get more local graduates into work. Acting Labour Minister Yousef Khalaf assured MPs that the government is already laying the groundwork to help Bahrainis land these roles. 'We're putting together a training scheme with the Education Ministry to equip Bahrainis with the skills they need for jobs in private schools,' he said. 'The plan will be announced soon, and those keen to take part can sign up.' Education Minister Mohammed Mubarak Juma said efforts were already in motion to keep Bahrainis in the sector. 'Tamkeen is still helping to cover the wages of Bahrainis working in private schools,' he said, stressing that keeping jobs steady was key. He also confirmed that his ministry and Tamkeen were keeping an eye on contract terminations. 'We're across every case and will step in when needed.' Juma also addressed concerns over career progression, revealing that more than 5,300 education workers were promoted last year, including teachers, senior teachers, assistant principals, and principals. 'There are no promotions stuck in the pipeline,' he said. 'If a teacher has hit the top pay bracket or hasn't put in enough years yet, they're dealt with under the usual rules.' MPs backing the proposal say the Education Ministry can't take in all the job seekers knocking on its door, so private institutions need to pull their weight. The plan now moves to the next legislative step before it can take effect. Parliament's Services Committee came out in favour of the amendment, arguing that private institutions must shoulder more responsibility in addressing Bahrain's unemployment issues. Proponents of the law say it fills gaps in existing policies and ensures private schools contribute to hiring Bahrainis instead of relying heavily on expats.
