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The rate of unemployment in Bahrain fell to 3.7 per cent this year from the estimated 16.4 per cent 2006 average, according to Dr. Majeed Al Alawi, the Minister of Labour.

Al Alawi noted that the rate has been stable since 2007, falling within the range of 3.7 per cent to 4.2 per cent.

The Minister explained in a detailed article covering how the unemployment stats are recorded that the fallen rate is due to concentrated Bahrain employment creation efforts, training programs and a drive to strengthen the nation’s labour market.

It was explained by the minister that major changes in the rate’s recording processes have occurred since 2004.  Up until that point the stats and figures surrounding unemployment came from information gathered through specially held studies, surveys and national censuses.  He also noted that the obvious changes in the rate over the last number of years can still be compared.

Now, the Ministry of Labour has monthly reports issued, along with others periodically, that provide dependable statistics regarding unemployment drawn from a precise database.

In 2006 the nation recorded its highest unemployment rating at 16.4 per cent.  This was a climb from 2001’s 12.7 per cent rate and 2004’s 14 per cent rate.

After Bahrain launched its National Employment Project lasting 18 months, the 2007 unemployment rate fell to 5.6 per cent.  It has remained stable since 2008, ranging from 3.7 to 4 per cent.