Bahrain to pay April salaries of Bahraini private-sector employees through unemployment fund

Bahrain has announced a key economic support measure aimed at safeguarding private sector employees, as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, ordered the referral of a draft law to ensure the payment of April salaries for insured Bahraini workers through the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

The directive was issued during the weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by HRH Prince Salman on April 13, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting jobs, sustaining businesses, and maintaining economic stability amid regional uncertainties.

According to an official statement, the proposed legislation aims to support Bahraini nationals employed in the private sector by guaranteeing their wages for April. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen labour market resilience and bolster economic growth.

The move echoes similar measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Bahrain covered private sector salaries for April, May, and June 2020 through the Unemployment Insurance Fund to mitigate economic disruption.

The Cabinet also approved several strategic initiatives, including:

• Bahrain’s Quarterly Economic Report for 2025.

• A bilateral investment protection agreement with the Swiss Federal Council.

• Amendments to services provided by the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence.

• Labour market indicators for the first quarter of 2026.

The latest decisions underscore Bahrain’s dual focus on economic resilience and national security, positioning the Kingdom to navigate geopolitical and financial challenges while supporting its workforce.