Latest news with #Decree-LawNo.20
Daily Tribune
04-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini fishermen required onboard for commercial fishing
Bahraini fishermen must now be present on fishing boats for commercial operations under new licensing rules, bringing a shift to how the industry operates. The change was introduced through Resolution No. 4 of 2025, issued by Supreme Council for Environment President Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa and published in the latest Official Gazette. The rules require that Bahraini fishermen be onboard vessels engaged in commercial fishing. Licences will only be issued to Bahraini nationals who are at least 18 years old, deemed fit for the work, and have no prior convictions for serious crimes unless rehabilitated. Applicants must also provide any additional details requested by the authorities. Employers, or their legal representatives, must submit applications for new or renewed licences using the approved form. Applications The authorities are required to approve or reject applications within 15 days, following the terms of Decree-Law No. 20 of 2002 on the regulation and protection of marine resources. Licences must include details of both the fisherman and the employer. A fisherman may only work for the employer listed on their permit, and the document is non-transferable. It remains valid for one year and can be renewed under the same terms. Fishermen must present it to inspectors upon request. The resolution also sets out crew requirements based on vessel size. Smaller boats, ranging from 18 to 21 feet in length, may have up to three crew members in total, with a maximum of two being non-Bahraini and at least two Bahraini fishermen onboard. The same limits apply to boats between 22 and 24 feet, though they must have at least three Bahraini fishermen instead of two. Vessels The rules remain unchanged for vessels measuring 25 to 27 feet, but from 28 feet upwards, the numbers increase. Boats between 28 and 32 feet must have at least four Bahraini fishermen, with a total crew limit of five. Those between 33 and 35 feet require five Bahraini fishermen, with a total of six crew members allowed. Crew limit Larger boats measuring 36 feet or more must have at least six Bahraini fishermen, with a total crew limit of seven. For the largest category, the traditional Banoush vessels, the minimum requirement is eight Bahraini fishermen, with the total crew allowed reaching nine. In all cases, the employer or captain must be present onboard, and non-Bahraini crew numbers are capped at two, except for Banoush vessels, which may have up to six.
Daily Tribune
29-01-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
27,000 Bahrainis hired in 2024
Over 27,000 Bahrainis found jobs in 2024, including 8,631 first-time hires, Acting Labour Minister, His Excellency Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, revealed in Parliament yesterday. He outlined the government's ongoing work to prioritise employment for Bahrainis, supported by a BD200 million programme in partnership with Tamkeen. The minister emphasised that addressing unemployment is a shared effort between the government and Parliament, adding that close collaboration would help improve job opportunities and outcomes for job seekers. The numbers, he stressed, are thoroughly verified and recorded with the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring full transparency. Khalaf pointed out that Bahrain's labour market must absorb around 10,000 new entrants each year, including high school graduates and university degree holders, which presents a steady challenge. Team effort He described the ministry's relationship with Tamkeen as a team effort, with each playing a crucial role in preparing job seekers and bridging skill gaps. The BD200 million allocation, authorised under Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023, forms a cornerstone of efforts to equip Bahrainis for the job market. Training programmes and work placed evelopment schemes are key components of this strategy, aiming to prepare individuals for long-term employment rather than relying on temporary benefits. Khalaf also addressed the rules governing unemployment benefits. If eligibility requirements are no longer met, payments are stopped, but job seekers remain on ministry records and continue to access employment and training services. He reiterated that the ministry operates within the boundaries of the law but is open to reviewing procedures where necessary. He warned that unemployment benefits should not become a reason for individuals to delay their job search. The ministry's focus, he said, is on finding real opportunities for Bahrainis rather than merely providing financial assistance. Balance support He added that current systems are being studied to ensure they balance support for job seekers with the need to encourage active participation in the labour market. Concluding his address, the minister said the ministry is determined to close skill gaps and prioritise Bahraini nationals for available roles. He confirmed that collaboration with Tamkeen and private employment centres remains central to efforts to match job seekers with the demands of the labour market.
