Go-ahead for changes to law on unemployment

Public representatives, who are not reappointed or re-elected, could be eligible for financial support of up to BD1,000 for nine months from an ‘unemployment fund’.

In a tied 17-17 votes, outweighed by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, MPs approved a proposed legislation to amend the 2006 Insurance Against Unemployment Law.

Under it, 1pc from the salaries of members of Parliament, Shura Council, municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board will be deducted monthly towards the Unemployment Fund.

It has been presented by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairwoman Zainab Abdulamir and Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk.

The Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) said such categories don’t get paid accountable wages as an employee, which is not the case with a minister, who is the most senior civil servant.

MP Mamdooh Al Saleh pointed out that from the moment deductions are made, public representatives are eligible for unemployment payments should their term end.

This was confirmed by Parliament’s legal advisors who agreed with the observation.

MPs also unanimously approved a proposal to increase monthly unemployment allowances from BD200 to BD300 for university graduates and from BD150 to BD200 for those with lesser qualifications under amendments to the same law.

The Labour Ministry has called for a rethink saying it could affect the fund’s finances. The SIO requested for a feasibility study on the fund’s lifespan.

The government will be forced to draft them into a proper legislation and submit it to the National Assembly for review within a maximum six months.

MPs approved the following urgent proposals during the weekly session yesterday and referred them to the Cabinet for review:

• Having kindergarten and school timings start at 9am rather than 8am in Ramadan.
• Allowing government social homes receivers to exchange them with each other through an electronic platform under the supervision of the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry.
• Suspending all government services on consumer protection violators.
• Introducing tough measures to combat cyber and phone banking phishing and scams.
• Introducing national campaigns for kidney donations.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1301178/Go-ahead-for-changes-to-law-on-unemployment