The Bahraini government has recently rejected a proposal from the House of Representatives that aimed to tie the renewal of commercial registrations to the fulfillment of Bahraini employment quotas and the establishment of a joint committee to monitor salary support payments. The proposal, submitted in November 2023, was intended to protect Bahraini workers, but the government believes that its current measures are already achieving these objectives. According to the government, significant progress has been made in increasing Bahrainization through training programs and quotas in various sectors, some reaching up to 50%. The government also highlighted that existing fines for non-compliance with Bahrainization quotas are already in place.
The government argued that denying business license renewals for non-compliance could harm employees, including Bahrainis, potentially leading to increased job losses. Instead, the current system of fines, such as a BHD 500 fee for each foreign worker permit issued to businesses failing to meet quotas, is considered sufficient. The proposed joint committee between the Ministry of Labour and Tamkeen, intended to monitor salary support payments, was also rejected by the government. The government asserted that the existing National Employment Programme already incorporates joint oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulations.
In response to concerns raised in the rejected proposal, the government emphasized that Tamkeen has implemented enhanced monitoring measures, including increased communication with Bahraini beneficiaries and penalties for violations. Tamkeen also collaborates with the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and the judiciary to address any suspected criminal activity related to salary support payments. The government believes that its current initiatives effectively address the issues raised in the rejected proposal, including unfair dismissals and non-compliance with salary support regulations.
Overall, the Bahraini government is confident that its existing measures to increase Bahrainization and monitor salary support payments are sufficient and effective in protecting Bahraini workers. By rejecting the proposal from the House of Representatives, the government is maintaining its stance on the current system of fines for non-compliance with Bahrainization quotas and the National Employment Programme’s oversight mechanisms. The government also highlighted the importance of ongoing communication with relevant authorities to address any suspected criminal activity related to salary support payments.
