The anxiety of aging without social security coverage may soon be a thing of the past for unemployed individuals in Bahrain. This comes as a new proposal by MP Jalal Kadhem would mandate that the Unemployment Fund cover social security c
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The anxiety of aging without social security coverage may soon be a thing of the past for unemployed individuals in Bahrain.
This comes as a new proposal by MP Jalal Kadhem would mandate that the Unemployment Fund cover social security contributions for all registered job seekers, numbering more than 16,000 according to recent statistics from the Ministry of Labour.
The proposal, submitted yesterday to the Council of Representatives and The Daily Tribune received a copy of it, aims to address the plight of individuals who remain unemployed for extended periods, often facing difficulties securing suitable employment as they age.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal highlights the challenges faced by many citizens who spend years searching for work, potentially jeopardising their future financial security.
It argues that including them in the social insurance system will prevent years from being wasted without coverage, particularly as they approach retirement age without sufficient employment history.
This, the memorandum states, will contribute to their psychological and emotional well-being, as well as that of their families, protecting them from hardship until suitable employment is found.
The proposed amendment to Article 1 of the Social Insurance Law (Decree No. 24 of 1967) would add a new clause to include job seekers.
A final clause stipulates that the Unemployment Fund (established under Decree Law No. 78 of 2006) would be responsible for paying all monthly social insurance contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) for the ninth branch.
Benefits
The Social Insurance Law currently covers various aspects including old-age, disability, and death benefits; work-related injuries; temporary disability due to illness or maternity; unemployment insurance; self-employed individuals; employers; family allowances; and other social security branches.
The proposal, if passed, would represent a significant step towards bolstering social safety nets for unemployed individuals in the Kingdom.
