Labour market reforms praised

MANAMA: Massive strides by Bahrain in regulating the labour market yesterday earned international recognition.

International Labour Organisation (ILO) regional director Nada Al Nashef sent a letter in this regard to Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi.

On behalf of ILO director-general Juan Somavia, it highlighted Bahrain’s success in legislating necessary laws and managing projects successfully.

She also revealed that Bahrain’s achievements may feature in the ceremony marking the ILO’s 90th anniversary in April.

“The ILO studies the possibility of highlighting Bahrain’s strides for the other 178 members to benefit from this experience,” she said.

She also stressed Bahrain’s successful efforts which helped reduce the rate of unemployment from 15 per cent to less than 4pc in record time.

The regular publication of statistics on job creation and unemployment was also described as a token of transparency.

The ILO official described the insurance against unemployment as pioneering scheme in the Arab world.

She also praised the tangible strides aimed at widening the scope of labour rights, as epitomised in the vital role played by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions.

This is third time the ILO praised Bahrain for its outstanding labour achievements.

“This international testimony is the proof that the ministry is on the right track to translate the directives of His Majesty King Hamad, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and EDB chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa into tangible reality,” Labour Ministry Acting Under-Secretary Jameel Al Humaidan said.