The Services Committee of the House of Representatives in Bahrain is currently reviewing a proposed law that aims to hold companies accountable for reimbursing any funds received from the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” if they unfairly dismiss Bahraini employees. The explanatory memorandum for the proposed law emphasizes the importance of establishing greater social justice and preventing the misuse of Article 110 of the Labour Law in the private sector. The goal is to prevent employers from taking advantage of the support provided by “Tamkeen” for employing Bahrainis.
“Tamkeen” actively supports various commercial activities to promote the employment of Bahrainis. However, some employers have been terminating contracts of Bahraini employees who were supported by “Tamkeen” without valid reasons, thus exploiting the system for profit. This proposed law aims to serve as a deterrent against such actions and ensure that the intended goals of “Tamkeen” support are met. Instances of unfair terminations in the past have highlighted the need for legal measures to prevent this from happening in the future.
Under the proposed law, employers would be required to reimburse any funds received from “Tamkeen” for the employment of Bahrainis if they fail to retain the Bahraini employee under circumstances deemed justifiable by the Ministry of Labour. The objective is to discourage employers from unfairly profiting from “Tamkeen” and to prevent unwarranted terminations of Bahraini employees’ contracts. This legal deterrent is seen as a necessary step to uphold social justice and prevent abuse of the system.
The proposed law has garnered support from MPs Basma Mubarak, Mohammed Al Ahmed, Hanan Fardan, Hisham Al Awadhi, and Mohammed Al Husaini. The collective effort to address the issue of unfair dismissal of Bahraini employees who benefit from “Tamkeen” reflects a commitment to protecting the rights of local workforce and promoting a fair and equitable employment environment. By holding companies accountable for their actions and ensuring that “Tamkeen” funds are used for the intended purpose, the proposed law aims to create a more just and transparent business landscape in Bahrain.
In conclusion, the proposed law being reviewed by the Services Committee of the House of Representatives in Bahrain seeks to address the issue of unfair dismissal of Bahraini employees supported by “Tamkeen” funds. By requiring companies to reimburse any funds received from “Tamkeen” if they unjustly terminate Bahraini employees, the proposed law aims to prevent abuse of the system and promote greater social justice. The support from various MPs highlights the importance of upholding the rights of Bahraini workers and ensuring that employment opportunities are fair and equitable for all. This legal deterrent is crucial in safeguarding the interests of the local workforce and maintaining a level playing field in the private sector.
