Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating jobs and expanding opportunities for citizens as part of Bahrain’s comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with close follow-up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These efforts align with the Economic Recovery Plan and the National Labour Market Plan (2023-2026).
Humaidan noted positive labour market growth in 2024, supported by economic diversification and new investments across various sectors.
In a statement on third-quarter labour market indicators, the minister reported that 19,689 citizens were employed from January to September 2024, achieving over 98% of the target to employ 20,000 Bahrainis annually as part of the economic recovery plan. He further explained that 6,436 of these were first-time entrants to the labour market, representing 33% of all employed during this period, while the remaining 67% were those with prior employment experience.
Discussing joint efforts with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Humaidan stated that 13,679 citizens received training, exceeding the annual target by 137%. He highlighted the significant role of Tamkeen, led by Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in supporting wage incentives and vocational training in the private sector. This collaboration has contributed to increased employment rates, with plans to support 50,000 Bahrainis annually through three core initiatives: integrating new entrants, providing career growth, and supporting private sector establishments.
The minister noted that Bahrain has an advanced system for tracking labour market indicators, aligned with international standards, which helps guide policy and programme development to maintain stable, secure unemployment levels. The Kingdom is committed to publishing these indicators regularly.
He credited the success of employment and training programmes to the valuable cooperation from private sector employers and urged intensified collaboration to prioritise hiring Bahrainis.
The latest indicators show an increase in first-time entrants to 33% in the third quarter of 2024, up from 31% in the same period of 2023. Additionally, university graduates now represent 37% of all employed, a 7% rise from the second quarter, while female employment reached 39%, an increase of 2% over the previous quarter.
BNA(R)
