A prominent union activist in Bahrain recently revealed that over 4,300 inspection visits have been conducted as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance oversight procedures and ensure the integrity of Tamkeen’s support programmes. Hassan Al Halwachi, Deputy Secretary-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions and Board member of the Labour Fund, emphasized that these strengthened oversight mechanisms are crucial in safeguarding the rights of Bahraini workers.
According to Al Halwachi, the increased inspections have been complemented by Tamkeen’s efforts to contact over 32,400 beneficiaries of its employment and wage support programmes, both during and after the support period. The data collected has shown a negligible rate of unlawful dismissals, which reflects the effectiveness of the oversight measures implemented by Tamkeen. Penalties for violations, as outlined in Tamkeen’s regulations, include the suspension of support and the recovery of funds from offenders.
In a recent case, funds have already been recovered from a company found to be in violation, and Tamkeen is actively working with relevant authorities to recover further funds from other offenders. Al Halwachi also highlighted the introduction of multiple confidential reporting channels, which aim to strengthen Tamkeen’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights. These channels provide individuals with a platform to report violations without fear of reprisal, ensuring that any attempts to undermine workers’ rights are promptly addressed.
Al Halwachi concluded that this proactive approach not only safeguards the gains made in protecting workers’ rights but also demonstrates Tamkeen’s dedication to creating a fair and equitable work environment for all Bahraini employees. By deterring fraudulent attempts to obtain funding and preventing the exploitation of workers by businesses, Tamkeen’s oversight mechanisms play a crucial role in upholding the rights of Bahraini workers.
Overall, the data collected from the increased inspections and beneficiary contacts indicates that Tamkeen’s support programmes are being closely monitored to maintain their integrity. By imposing penalties on violators and recovering funds from offenders, Tamkeen ensures that its resources are directed towards supporting legitimate beneficiaries and upholding workers’ rights. The introduction of confidential reporting channels further strengthens the oversight measures, enabling individuals to report violations without fear of retaliation.
With these initiatives in place, Tamkeen is not only protecting the rights of Bahraini workers but also fostering a work environment that is fair and just for all employees. The union activist’s statement underscores the importance of these oversight mechanisms in maintaining the integrity of support programmes and preventing exploitation in the workplace. In conclusion, Tamkeen continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights of Bahraini workers through proactive measures and stringent enforcement of regulations.
