The private labour market has revealed a positive outlook which reflects the ability of the economy to withstand upheavals and create jobs. The overall private sector workforce has grown by 6.3 per cent over the second quarter compared with the same period last year.

The encouraging trends were announced as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, attended the session.

Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan outlined the updated private sector employment indicators.

The private sector proved to be a key purveyor of jobs, creating 136,000 work opportunities over the past five years – of which 44,000 jobs were in the last year.
“The positive outlook reflects current economic growth, despite challenges, and Bahrain’s success in attracting investments and the labour market recovery, said Cabinet secretary-general Dr Yasser Al Nasser.

*The Premier extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad, the people of Bahrain, and Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the 1438 Hejri Year, stressing the importance of drawing lessons to unify Muslims and transcend divisions.

*Three decree laws were endorsed on protected telecom companies and the amendment of decree law 14 for 1971 on authentification – following recommendations of the executive committee chaired by the Crown Prince.
The new legislation aims to create a growth-spurring environment, strengthen competitiveness, expand the role of the private sector in development and encourage investments.

The laws also comply with objectives and tools of citizen-oriented development, as defined by the 2016 Government Forum and the 2030 Economic Vision.

* A plan to unify national exams by 2020 was endorsed, based on a proposed scheme submitted by the Deputy Premier, head of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training. The new scheme will be under the supervision of the National Authority for Quality Assurance of Education and Training (QAA).

* A draft agreement on mutual exemption of Bahraini and Chinese holders of diplomatic, service and special passports from the short-term visa was endorsed.
Directives were also given to pursue efforts with friendly countries to exempt Bahrainis from requiring entry visas, including Schengen.