Bahrain's labour fund Tamkeen has launched a new programme, Taqdeer, aimed at rewarding enterprises that exceed their targeted number for Bahraini employees.

This comes as a part of Tamkeen’s ongoing efforts in supporting Bahraini employment and to boost the Bahrainisation move.

Speaking at the launch, CEO Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi said through this initiative, Tamkeen is seeking to support the private sector and strengthen its position as the key driver of economic growth."

"A major goal for Tamkeen is making the Bahraini citizen the employment of choice. Therefore, we are working continuously towards developing new programmes and initiatives in order to provide Bahrainis with the necessary tools and skills, making them the employee of choice to business owners," he stated.

A first initiative-of-its-kind, Taqdeer’s idea aims on stimulating enterprises to employ more citizens, he added.

Dr Jahani said under the Taqdeer programme, eligible enterprises will receive a financial grant which can be used in paying expenses related to municipality services fees (violations or similar charges are not included), electricity bills related to the CR, SIO fees, Bahraini employees’ health insurance as well as their training and development plans.

"By launching this initiative, we are seeking to support the private sector and strengthen its position as the key driver of economic growth. Business owners will benefit from Taqdeer as it will help them cover a big portion of their expenses which will empower them to face the economic challenges and move forward to the better," he noted.

Dr Janahi pointed out that since Tamkeen’s establishment in 2006, it has provided support to almost 31 per cent  of the workforce in the kingdom, through training and development initiatives that aim to refine Bahraini citizens’ skills and provide them with opportunities that improve their abilities in shaping their future.

Also, Tamkeen has helped in creating more than 8,000 job opportunities through the employment support programs, he added.-TradeArabia News Service