In a recent development in Bahrain’s job market, the Minister of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council Affairs, Ghanim bin Fadhl Al Buainain, responded to a proposal put forth by several MPs in the previous session. The proposal requested the ministry to disclose the number of new employees entering the job market, excluding those who transferred from other jobs. The minister commended the government’s response, describing it as clear and balanced. The MPs behind this proposal included Mohammed Al Ahmed, Mohammed Al Rifaie, Abdullah Al Dhaen, Basma Mubarak, and Eman Shuwaiter, who aimed to shed light on specific employment figures.
MP Mohammed Al Ahmed articulated that the proposal stemmed from a perceived lack of precision in unemployment and employment data. He pointed out the absence of clear figures on the number of registered unemployed individuals who found work under the Ministry’s supervision, separate from those who shifted from other jobs. This ambiguity, according to Al Ahmed, impacts the accuracy of Bahrain’s unemployment rate. Thus, he emphasized the necessity for the Ministry to reveal the number of registered unemployed individuals who found employment, excluding those who transitioned from other jobs, to paint a more accurate picture of the employment scenario in the country.
Minister Al Buainain provided clarity by stating that around 8,924 new employees entered Bahrain’s job market in 2023 without prior job experience. This figure amounts to 30% of the total individuals who secured employment opportunities in the Kingdom last year. Moreover, he highlighted that the remaining 70% of the employed population in 2023 belonged to other categories, including those who transferred from other jobs and took advantage of diverse employment opportunities. The Minister’s response to the proposal has already been documented in a letter signed by him and submitted to the Parliament in July 2024.
The move to request transparency in employment data and unveil the specifics of new employees entering the job market underscores a push for accuracy in tracking Bahrain’s unemployment rate. By distinguishing between individuals who were previously unemployed and those who transitioned from other jobs, a clearer picture of the Kingdom’s employment landscape can be drawn. This initiative aims to facilitate more targeted policy interventions and initiatives that address the specific needs of the unemployed population.
As the Ministry of Labour continues to monitor and oversee the job market in Bahrain, providing accurate and detailed employment data becomes crucial for informed decision-making. By disclosing the number of individuals who secured employment without prior job experience, policymakers, economists, and stakeholders can better understand the dynamics of the labor market. This transparency not only enhances the credibility of employment statistics but also sets the stage for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation to tackle unemployment effectively.
In conclusion, the response from Minister Al Buainain to the proposal requesting disclosure of new employees entering Bahrain’s job market signifies a step towards greater transparency and accuracy in employment data reporting. By delineating between individuals who secure jobs without prior employment experience and those who transition from other jobs, the Ministry aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Bahrain’s employment landscape. This initiative sets the stage for targeted interventions and policy measures that address the specific needs of unemployed individuals and contribute to a more robust and responsive labor market in the Kingdom.
