During the visit, His Royal Highness said that the Ministry of Labour enjoys the full support of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa the Prime Minister. He stressed it is a vital institution and that employment of citizens must continue to be a major priority.
His Royal Highness emphasised the need to address the basic and structural challenges facing the labour market in order to tackle unemployment over the long term and reduce the Kingdom’s relatively low unemployment rate. Additionally he highlighted the need to provide employment opportunities that match the qualifications possessed by graduates to avoid underemployment. His Royal Highness stated that investment in the people of Bahrain is the ultimate goal of the Kingdom’s plans and strategies.
His Royal Highness got briefing from Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan, Minister of Labour, and other senior officials, on the Ministry’s strategy and progress on policy implementation especially those relating to recruitment, training and legislation governing work and recruitment.
His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of those strategies to meet the labour market requirements; to drive forward the development of the national workforce; and to diversify job opportunities alongside the development of initiatives targeting graduate employment. His Royal Highness also pointed out the need to work on reviving and developing craftsman occupations for which Bahrain is famous.
His Royal Highness also expressed his view on the need for careful consideration of current laws and regulations to ensure a balance between enhancing career opportunities whilst still preserving the rights of employer and employee.
His Royal Highness praised the pioneering unemployment insurance system initiative, carried out by the government under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He pointed out its contribution to strengthening the social safety net for citizens, stating that it is important to support this project, which has been a cornerstone of labour reform in the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness was briefed on the Labour Monitor Project, which incorporates important initiatives such as the National Professional Standards Project, the National Qualifications Framework and Centre for Professional Testing, as well as the professional apprenticeship programme. He conveyed the importance of coordination between the concerned authorities to ensure the project’s success.
During his tour of various departments, His Royal Highness expressed his pride in the civil servants at the ministry and their sincere dedication to public service. Furthermore, he met a number of citizens during his visit and listened to their feedback about the services provided by the Ministry of Labour.
Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan, Minister of Labour, welcomed His Royal Highness’ visit and expressed his gratitude for the directives provided. He said that they reflect the Kingdom’s vision, and will be closely undertaken by the dedicated workforce at the Ministry of Labour.