Tamkeen (Bahrain)

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Tamkeen (Arabic: تمكين, "enablement") is an semi-autonomous government agency in Bahrain. It was founded in 2006 by National Communication Centre to provide assistance and training to private-sector businesses and individuals, and to promote development of that sector.[1]: 269  The chairman is Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa.[2]

Tamkeen is funded by fees collected from the private sector by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. At 2012, these fees include a BD200 charge imposed on companies for foreign work permits, as well as a BD10 monthly tax for each foreign worker they employ. However, MP Isa Al Kooheji said it was still unclear exactly where Tamkeen's money was being spent, because a detailed statement had never been presented to the National Assembly.[3] There were 600,857 foreign workers in Bahrain at the end of the second quarter of 2018, compared to 158,814 Bahrainis employed.[4]

The agency has taken steps to improve the employability of, and employment rate for, women in Bahrain, where in 2009–2010 approximately 80% of unemployed people were female. It provided training courses and grants, and organised a training and employment exhibition for women only. By 2011 almost, 12000 women had been helped by the agency.[5]: 50 

References[edit]

  1. ^ Omar F. Bizri (2017). Science, Technology, Innovation, and Development in the Arab Countries. London: Elsevier. ISBN 9780128125779
  2. ^ "Tamkeen Concludes 2015 – 2017 Strategy Consultation Forum". ZAWYA. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  3. ^ TradeArabia News Service (7 March 2012). "Bahrain's parliament blocks labour fund plan". TradeArabia News Service.
  4. ^ Labour Market Indicators
  5. ^ Magdalena Karolak (2014). Bahraini Women and the Arab Spring: Meeting the Challenges of Empowerment and Emancipation. In: Muhamed S. Olimat (editor) (2014). Arab Spring and Arab Women: Challenges and Opportunities. London; New York: Routledge. ISBN 9781857437126. Pages 48–60.

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