Increasing the job reservation for people with disabilities from 2% to 4% has become a topic of discussion in Bahrain, with some Shura Council members proposing this change. However, the government has raised concerns about the feasibility of this proposal, as there are currently not enough applicants with disabilities to fill the available positions. The government warns that allocating 4% of government jobs for disabled workers could lead to a surplus of vacancies, preventing other eligible citizens from applying.
Shura members argue that the government’s perspective overlooks the significant barriers faced by disabled job seekers. By framing the issue as a surplus of vacancies rather than a lack of effort to hire disabled individuals, the government implies that the current system is already fulfilling its obligations. However, the members believe that increasing the job reservation percentage is essential to providing more opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce.
The proposal to raise the reservation for disabled individuals from 2% to 4% in firms with 50 or more workers is already addressed under Law No. 74 of 2006, which focuses on the care, rehabilitation, and employment of people with disabilities. This law is also part of the national disability strategy’s action plan for 2023-2027. Government officials argue that the proposal is unnecessary, as there are still many job positions designated for people with disabilities that remain vacant in the private sector.
Some jobs are reserved for disabled individuals, while others are available depending on the alignment of an applicant’s qualifications with job requirements and mutual agreement between both parties. However, officials are also opposed to an amendment that would require the Labour Ministry to prioritize hiring disabled individuals for specific roles. They believe that this amendment conflicts with the Civil Service Law, which gives the Civil Service Bureau control over government jobs.
Officials insist that the authority to assign roles for disabled applicants should remain with the Minister of Labour, rather than the Labour Ministry. While the debate over increasing the job reservation for people with disabilities continues, it is clear that both sides have valid concerns and points to consider. It is essential to find a balance that ensures equal opportunities for all citizens while also addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the job market.
