Bahrain marks Labour Day with commitment to further development of its human assets

Manama, Apr. 30 (BNA): As it marks Labour Day alongside the world, Bahrain remains firms on promoting further its model of commitment to the development of its human capital. For Bahrain, its human capital is the nation’s wealth and the most essential element of sustainable economic and social progress and prosperity. The Kingdom has been diligent on safeguarding the rights of the workforce through a sophisticated regulatory framework and has built a remarkable record in creating a wide and diverse range of job opportunities that has boosted employment rates and the recruitment of national talent. Matching the potential of job seekers and the requirements of the public and private sectors has been a challenge that the Kingdom has managed to navigate. Through a focused approach, it has integrated fresh graduates into the labour market, which has contributed to keeping unemployment at an internationally safe rate (4%). The importance of relying on the national workforce has been manifested in the focus of the government and companies on intense hands-on training, which has contributed to feeding into newly emerging work sectors. Today, 75 private training organisations have succeeded in making the Bahrainis they train the preferred target of employers. Job and career fairs, as part of the national labour policies, have seen high turnouts throughout the year and have facilitated the employment of citizens in different sectors. Several specialised international reports have reflected the success of the policies of the kingdom in its labour market reforms. Some of the key programmes in enhancing the work environment have included, since 2006, supporting national workforce wages and insurance against unemployment. The insurance against unemployment is among the best labour protections in the Kingdom. In addition to providing social protection during unemployment, it also helps registered job seekers secure suitable opportunities and provides them with social protection. Bahrain also earned international recognition for its efforts in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through nationwide initiatives and programmes. Productive families’ projects and exhibitions also receive official support and encouragement in line with these efforts. The productive families registered at the Labour and Social Development Ministry benefit from the services offered through the ministry’s Productive Families Support Centres, which provide them with a legal cover and exposure opportunities. One of the main milestones in this regard, was the establishment of the Capital Mall which showcases their products. The maintaining of suitable work conditions is a priority for the government. Supervision and periodical inspection of working places and labour accommodation are carried out to ensure optimal vocational safety standards. Labour rights are also guaranteed through a well-established regulatory infrastructure allowing labour complaint settlements and equal opportunity committees in government organisations. These committees contributed to increasing the number of female employees in the public sector to 50%. Overall, Bahraini women make up 39% of the national workforce and 47% of new recruitments in the private sector. Social insurance for retired workers, is another form of safeguarding workers' right during and after their employment. The regulatory framework has seen significant milestones since 2002 with the issuance of the labour unions law. The labour market laws issued in 2006, Labour Fund (Tamkeen), insurance against unemployment, civil service law in 2010 and private sector labour law in 2012 were all steps that stimulated the progress of the labour market in Bahrain. The strength of this regulatory framework was put to test with the outbreak of Covid-19. Bahrain’s preventive strategy and procedures were applied at different working environments to ensure that safety measures are carried out during and after working hours and transportation. Awareness messages on avoiding infection were also propagated in different languages and through different media. Arrangements have been made to enable social distancing as much as possible in labour accommodation places. Quarantine, isolation and healthcare, in case of infection, are all provided free of charge to citizens and residents alike, regardless of nationality, race, beliefs and gender. Humanitarian aspects as well as maintaining the production cycle as much as possible were taken into consideration through these procedures, something that has benefited the tripartite labour relationship as a whole. Such policies have earned Bahrain a reputation of being amongst the preferred destinations for expatriate workers globally. The Kingdom has also achieved international recognition for its leading efforts in countering the crime of human trafficking. Bahrain was elected as a regular government member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the 2017-2020 term. The Kingdom is a committed member to the ILO standards, especially those pertaining to labour union freedoms and diversity, and social protection. Bahrain has ratified several international labour treaties, including the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons Convention, 1983, Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958, Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999, Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, Minimum Age Convention, 1973, Forced Labour Convention, 1930 and Labour Inspection Convention, 1947.