Bahrain leads GCC with labour &amp, welfare reforms

LABOUR REFORMS: Labour Minister His Excellency Majeed Al Alawi has driven through labour and welfare reforms in Bahrain. (ITP/George Dipin)

Bahrain is set to become the first country in the GCC to introduce complete freedom of movement between jobs for expatriates, and unemployment benefits for those out of work, according to a report in  the ConstructionWeek online website.

Minister of Labour HE Dr Majeed Al Alawi said that workers would enjoy the same freedoms as Bahraini nationals when the law comes into effect in three months.

“It will virtually break the sponsorship system and allow free movement of expatriate workers between jobs,” he told the construction web portal. “It represents a major shift in labour policy for this region,” he added.

Dr Al Alawi said that the labour reforms, which he believes will provide a blueprint for other GCC states to follow, have been secured in the teeth of considerable opposition from employers.

However, the Minister believes that a free labour market will encourage companies to compete for the best talent, leading to better business practices that will benefit employers and employees.

“Workers will have the option to go to the employers where they will be treated better and paid better,” he said.

Employers will be protected by contract law. To move jobs, workers will have to give appropriate notice and fulfil their obligations under their contracts, the Minister explained.

A fledgling unemployment benefit system will also be rolled out when the new bill becomes law. Dr Alawi said that people losing their jobs would receive benefits for up to one month while they look for a new job, but he did not provide details about how the system would be administered or how much money people would receive.

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READERS' COMMENTS

LABOUR LAW REFORMS
Posted by K. SADANAND MENON, MUMBAI, INDIA on Saturday 14 November 2009 at 05:09 UAE time


First and foremost I salute Dr. Majeed Al Alawi's move towards the labour law reformation. The Govt. of Bahrain is moving in a right direction as the developmental progress of any country depends upon the adaptability of a change in the system and Bahrain always comes forward in this regard. Being an Indian, no hesitation to mention here that Indian expatriates are not only hard workers but honest too, particularly unskilled slots who generally put their physical strength to build a landmark in any country which leads to the advancement of that country at par with other countries of the world and Bahrain is marching towards it. A time will come when Bahrain will be seen as the fully developed and self reliant country among the GCC as the Government there does take concrete steps (Reformation of all types) towards achieving its goals.

Labour reform
Posted by MUKESH BHATIA, mumbai, india on Sunday 10 May 2009 at 16:31 UAE time


What Harry has said is also true. Employers go overseas to select and recruit workers, after their arrival help doing the paper-work and settle them down and what if the workers quit after sometime for better pastures. Can Bahrain govt safe-guard the employer's interest and how ? A million-dollar question!

Labor reform / Real islamic way
Posted by S Ahme, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday 2 May 2009 at 13:36 UAE time


This is just to congratulate for the bold action taken by the kingdom of Bahrain, equally beneficial for the employee and employer too. a right direction, on the islamic principal of eqality and justice, exptriates-guests of states who have come to participate in the progress and developments of the country. Long live wih total success guaranteed.

The Right Move
Posted by clement vincent godinho, dubai, uae on Saturday 2 May 2009 at 13:33 UAE time


The Right Thing to do and Salutations n Congratulations to the Government of Bahrain for Leading the Way with this very Bold & Courageous decision. Good Job....

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