The Bahraini government is urging the Council of Representatives to reconsider a draft law aimed at promoting scientific research, recognizing the contributions of the national workforce in the public sector, and improving government performance. The proposed legislation seeks to incentivize government employees with higher qualifications, enhance the quality of public service, and provide opportunities for talented individuals. Additionally, it aims to replace government-funded scholarships with a system of academic qualification bonuses.
The draft law consists of two articles, with the first article proposing the addition of a new clause to the Civil Service Law. This new clause would entitle Bahraini employees with recognized academic qualifications to receive an “Academic Qualification Bonus,” with different bonus amounts for higher diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctorates. The bonus amounts are set at BD20 for a higher diploma, BD40 for a master’s degree, and BD60 for a doctorate. It is important to note that this bonus cannot be combined with any other academic qualification bonus and would not apply to positions where a specific academic qualification is required for employment or promotion.
The second article of the draft law focuses on procedural aspects. The government has emphasized that the draft law goes against established legislative policy governing the enactment of laws and regulations related to the civil service. Lawmakers are reminded to adhere to this policy, which calls for defining the general framework of a regulation while leaving the details to be specified in executive regulations and ministerial decisions. This approach allows for flexibility and ease of amendment in response to changing circumstances, as opposed to laws that require more time-consuming procedures for amendments.
By urging the Council of Representatives to reconsider the draft law, the government is seeking to ensure that legislation related to the civil service aligns with established policy and procedures. This includes defining the general framework of regulations while allowing for flexibility in implementing specific details through executive regulations and ministerial decisions. The proposed academic qualification bonus system aims to incentivize government employees to pursue higher education, ultimately improving the quality of public service and providing opportunities for talented individuals in Bahrain.
It is worth noting that the draft law aims to enhance government performance by encouraging scientific research, recognizing the value of the national workforce in the public sector, and providing incentives for individuals with higher qualifications. The government is emphasizing the importance of aligning legislation with the established policy governing civil service regulations to ensure flexibility and ease of amendment in response to changing circumstances. By urging lawmakers to reconsider the draft law, the government is seeking to enhance the quality of public service and promote the advancement of talented individuals in Bahrain’s workforce.
