A pilot project towards ensuring ‘qualitative Bahrainisation’ has been initiated by Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) with an agreement on hiking the wages in the garment sector by 33pc.This comes in line with LMRA’s vision of introducing a new optional system that gives privileges to establishments that employ Bahraini citizens depending on types of job and salary payable, and not just Bahrainisation figures in an organisation, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ausamah Al Absi.

A unanimous agreement was reached with the three major garment factories in the Kingdom on the wage rise and reduction of Bahrainisation from 20 per cent to 15pc, Mr Al Absi told DT.

According to reports, 658 employees will benefit from the wage hike which will be effective from July 2012. 

The number of work permits to hire expatriate employees will also be hiked, which strikes a balance and enables us to achieve the goal – the type of quality Bahrainisation that we look forward to have in the private sector, said Mr Al Absi.
“We have chosen to start with Garment Sector as the sector being finite it is easy to deal with by talking directly with those who are managing it and we aim to expand on the initiative,” said Mr Al Absi.

The research and in-depth study of the sector included various parameters – the actual number of citizens and resident workers needed, the desire of the citizens to be part of the sector, possibility of hiking wages for citizens and at the same time feasibility of expansion and profitability.

The study results showed that the low wages limited Bahrainis from coming into the sector and meetings with major export factories located in the GCC, Jordan, India and Pakistan, noted that the number of foreign workers stood at 3067 against 658 national workforce in the segment.

The number of work permits was increased based on the study of the actual need of expatriate workforce and the capacity, productivity and competitiveness of the factories to accommodate them with support from the inspection team in coordination with the Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety Department, to ensure safety standards as well.

It was specified that the team will monitor the commitment of these factories to this agreement and will review its provisions
periodically.

LMRA will address every sector that needs support and will work together with the best interest of employees and employers, so that the national economy will be benefitted, said Mr Al Absi.

This is also an amicable way to help the businesses grow and assist them provide decent employment, which includes ensuring safe and quality accommodation and facilities for its expat employees as well, he added.