Here’s everything you need to know about Tamkeen’s revamped programs

Rejoice! Tamkeen Bahrain has recently relaunched their revamped and improved programs for businesses and individuals in Bahrain. It’s going to change a lot of things for startups, SMEs, and Bahraini individuals in Bahrain with its new features.

According to Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund Tamkeen, the new program includes many added features to better address the different characteristics and needs of enterprises.

But what are these significant changes, and how is it going to impact you as a business owner?

If you’ve asked this question, then you’re on the right page, as we took it upon ourselves to outline to you the top changes and updates in Tamkeen’s revised program:

Let’s start with the Business Development Program:

There will be general improvements on the online portal which includes:

1. Virtual Authentication: Basically, you can activate your Tamkeen portal account without the need of visiting any of their branches.
2. Simplified: A streamlined and tailored application form.
3. Linked: A portal that’s linked to other entities that may be required during the application process, including Information and eGovernment Authority, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and the General Authority for Social Insurance – to ensure information accuracy and streamline internal procedures.
4. Fawateer: Introducing a new payment method, “Fawateer” in cooperation with Benefit and local banks, which allows for a faster, and more secure payment.
5. Virtual Site Visit: Through your phone’s camera, you can provide Tamkeen with the required information without being paid a visit.

What about Tamkeen’s Training and Wage Support?

Ever since its launch in 2016, the Training and Wage Support has served more than 4,500 Enterprises across different type of support under this program, whereby 12,000 Bahraini employees benefited from Wage Support, 6,500 Bahraini employees benefited from the Wage Increment. In addition, 17,800 Bahraini employees benefited from the Training Support which includes local and overseas training, and Basic skills and Professional Certifications.

Here’s a breakdown of how the wage support works:

1. Wage Support
   1. Fresh Graduates
      1. Months 1 to 12: 50% of minimum salary (based on employee degree)
      2. Months 13 to 18: 30% of minimum salary (based on employee degree)
   2. Job Seekers (registered in the Ministry of Labour & Social Development
      1. Months 1 to 12: 70% of minimum salary (based on employee degree)
      2. Moths 13 to 18: 50% of minimum salary (based on employee degree)
2. Wage Increment Support
   1. Tamkeen’s Wage increment support is a percentage of the required increment. This is based on the salary of the Employee. Below are the support percentages for each level limit (all capped at BD 250):
      1. BD 1,000 and below =100% increment support
      2. BD 1,001 to 2,000 = 50% increment support
      3. BD 2,001 to 3,000 = 25% increment support
   2. Tamkeen also supports the growth of the private sector by subsidizing the 1% unemployment insurance imposed on the private sector, with nearly BD 165 million in subsidies.

If you’d like to know more about Tamkeen’s Enterprise Support program, check out their website here. You can also follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with their future announcements.