The government of Bahrain recently submitted a memo to Parliament highlighting the success of the ‘Furas’ programme for unemployed jobseekers. The programme, aimed at providing on-the-job training to jobseekers, has seen over 250 companies and commercial entities join since the beginning of 2024, bringing the total number of participants to 600 since its launch four years ago. Despite the success of ‘Furas’, the government rejected a proposed law that would mandate large companies to train Bahraini nationals, citing that the objective of the law is already achieved through existing legislation in the country.
The ‘Furas’ programme, funded by the Labour Fund, Tamkeen, provides monthly stipends to trainees who undergo a full year of on-the-job training, along with unemployment insurance benefits. The programme aims to equip trainees with practical experience and professional skills necessary for successful job integration. By encouraging companies to invest in training Bahraini graduates, the programme aims to increase their skills and competitiveness in the workforce.
In addition to the ‘Furas’ programme, the government has implemented various other programmes to train and qualify Bahraini workers and jobseekers, enhancing their skills and competitiveness in the labour market. The Ministry of Labour plays a crucial role in recommending jobseekers to participate in these programmes, which are also funded by Tamkeen. Thousands of jobseekers have benefited from these training programmes, equipping them with essential skills to increase their employment opportunities and competitiveness.
Overall, the government’s memo highlighted the success of the ‘Furas’ programme in integrating jobseekers across various fields, specializations, and qualifications. The programme’s focus on practical experience and professional skills has been instrumental in helping jobseekers thrive in the workforce. While the government rejected the proposed law mandating large companies to train Bahraini nationals, it emphasized that the objective of the law is already being achieved through existing legislation in the country.
With over 600 companies participating in the ‘Furas’ programme, jobseekers in Bahrain have access to valuable on-the-job training opportunities that can enhance their skills and competitiveness in the labour market. By providing monthly stipends and unemployment insurance benefits, the programme aims to support trainees in their journey towards successful job integration. Additionally, the government’s efforts to implement various training programmes further contribute to the development of Bahraini workers and jobseekers, equipping them with the necessary skills for increased employment opportunities and competitiveness.
