Prejudice against work in the hospitality sector is preventing Bahrainis from finding jobs, despite 5,000 vacancies being posted by the Labour Ministry every month, said a senior government official.

Around 2,000 Bahrainis gained employment every month on "reasonable pay" despite many snubbing the service industry altogether, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

A "change of attitude" was required, he said.

"We have 2,000 Bahrainis joining the labour market every month on reasonable pay from the pool of 5,000 jobs that are available," said Humaidan.

"This pool is constantly getting renewed with more opportunities. Hotels and the hospitality sector come to us with many jobs monthly, but due to a misunderstanding these jobs are being snubbed.

"These are decent jobs and include roles in administration, reception, maintenance and accounting departments - it is not just work serving food and beverages. We are trying to change attitudes, as we open up this sector to thousands of Bahrainis - with future training programmes being tailored in that regard,” he added.

Humaidan said that it was "up to Bahrainis" to take advantage of the jobs that were being presented.

"We have researchers present in all employment centres across the country's governorates to meet with jobseekers and speak with them about their preferences, abilities and interests," he said.

"Jobseekers must show up for appointments to ensure that they have a genuine case and that if they refuse work, it is because there was nothing suitable for them and are looking for something better. We cannot greenlight monthly payments from the unemployment fund if jobseekers fail to keep their appointments or lack what it takes to join the labour market.

"Some cases are difficult or complicated, and we work to resolve them - but at least 5,000 vacancies are posted monthly that jobseekers could be integrated into, with some additional training,” he explained. – TradeArabia News Service