Since last year, most Bahrainis showed no interest in working in Qatar because of what they claim are mounting rents, coupled with high living costs which turned out to be a major hindrance in the government efforts to find suitable jobs for Bahrainis in other Gulf Countries. The Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project dubbed as "Friendship Bridge" is considered symbolic of the long-standing positive relations between the two countries. After its completion, the causeway will be the world's longest marine causeway, connecting the two countries from the west coast of Qatar, near the Zububarah fortress to the east coast of Bahrain , south of its capital Manama.

In the previous months, the employment office in Qatar has been successful in finding ideal jobs for several skilled Bahrainis but a majority of them have rejected the offers, as they feel that high rents will eat into their earnings. Dossari said although things were proceeding smoothly and the Qatari government has shown enthusiasm over the employment of Bahrainis in Qatar and treating them at par with citizens, a majority of Bahrainis are still hesitant to come due to the high cost of living.

Qatar opened the first employment office for Bahraini job applicants, targeting more employment options for citizens. Bahrainis are unliley to feel out of place as there are no cultural clashes and they can go home with ease.

According to statistics of the Labour Ministry, the 16.5 percent unemployment rate which prevailed four years ago, has been reduced to 2 percent this year. This success has been attributed to the National Employment Project, which also helped the ministry's campaign to upgrade the skills and salaries of Bahrainis.

Majority of the companies have already revised their minimum pay to Bahraini workers to BD200, which is further likely to rise to BD250 in 2009.

© The Peninsula 2008

 

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