Social insurance for self-employed workers

TDT | Manama

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A proposal to bring freelancers and other self-employed workers under mandatory social insurance won unanimous approval in Parliament.

The measure amends Article (2) of the Social Insurance Law issued by Decree-Law No. 24 of 1976, widening compulsory cover beyond workers on employment contracts to include self-employed people and members of the liberal professions. The added cover will apply only to groups named in a decision by the competent minister, and only after the Social Insurance Organisation’s board signs off, under the wording backed by MPs.

Five MPs submitted the proposal: Maryam Al Sayegh, Najeeb Al Kowari, Hassan Ibrahim, Jameel Mulla Hassan, and Mohammed Mousa. The Services Committee had urged approval.

Al Sayegh said the change was aimed at “a valued group of the people of this country”, naming “small-project owners, artisans, fishermen and driving instructors”.