TDT | Manama
Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
In a landmark move, the Bahrain Shura Council has approved a bill mandating greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The progressive law aims to increase the required number of disabled workers in companies with more than 50 employees from 2 to 4 percent, paving the way for a more inclusive workplace and a brighter future for the disability community.
The proposal, pushed by a group of enthusiastic members of the Shura Council, not only focuses on quantitative targets but also emphasizes seamless integration. The proposal calls for the Minister of Labor, in collaboration with other relevant authorities, to develop a formal decree outlining jobs and occupations that are specifically suited for people with disabilities.
This important step will ensure a match between the type of disability and the job requirements, resulting in customized opportunities to maximize potential. “This bill is about empowerment and recognition,” declared Talal Mohammed Al Manai, one of the driving forces behind the initiative.
“We want more Bahrainis with disabilities to not only be employed, but to thrive in their chosen fields. By increasing the mandated quota and ensuring job suitability, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse labour market.”
The Council’s commitment to this work is mirrored internationally and is in line with various treaties and conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities. By recognizing the unique needs of persons with disabilities and facilitating their inclusion in the workforce, Bahrain is taking a major step towards a more equitable and dynamic society.
Streamline your efforts
Building on the Ministry of Labour’s ongoing efforts to qualify and support job seekers with disabilities, the proposed bill aims to further streamline and strengthen these efforts. The Ministry of Social Development will continue to play a key role in identifying and accommodating persons with disabilities in the workplace, ensuring a consistent approach that empowers individuals and promotes inclusion.
The Shura Council’s decision to ask the government to formally draft the bill marks a major victory for disability rights in Bahrain. If passed into law, the bill will ensure a brighter future for Bahrainis with disabilities and a work environment where talent and potential are at the center, regardless of ability.
