MP Maryam AlSayegh is taking a bold step to address Bahrain’s economic challenges of low wages and high unemployment with a new legislative proposal aimed at the private sector. The key target of this initiative is to establish a minimum wage threshold for Bahraini workers. The proposal states that any Bahraini employee earning less than BD600 per month will not be included in the mandatory Bahrainisation quotas imposed on private enterprises. This provision ensures that Bahraini citizens are able to maintain a standard of living in line with the rising cost of living.
In addition to setting a minimum wage threshold, the proposal also aims to increase the overall percentage of Bahrainis employed in the private sector by incentivizing companies to hire Bahrainis at higher salaries. This will help reduce the current dependence on foreign workers and provide more job opportunities for local talent. The proposal also includes measures to prevent the misuse of wage subsidies provided by the Tamkeen Labour Fund. Companies benefiting from these subsidies will be required to repay them if they unjustly terminate Bahraini employees, protecting workers from exploitation.
Furthermore, the proposal includes legal protections to prevent Bahraini workers from being unfairly targeted and laid off, ensuring greater job security for citizens in the private sector. The aim is to create a more balanced labor market by encouraging companies to hire qualified Bahrainis at competitive salaries rather than seeking work permits for foreign workers. The proposal also includes provisions for withdrawing licenses from institutions that fail to meet the required Bahrainisation quotas, providing a strong incentive for companies to actively recruit and retain local talent.
This proposed law, already successful in some GCC countries, has the potential to significantly reshape the employment landscape in Bahrain. MP AlSayegh’s initiative is gaining attention and is currently under review by relevant authorities. By directly addressing critical economic issues, this development is one to watch closely as it could have a positive impact on the country’s economy and workforce. With a focus on increasing wages, reducing unemployment, and promoting Bahraini talent in the private sector, this proposal offers a comprehensive solution to some of the most pressing challenges facing the Bahraini economy.
