Manama : The Ministry of Labour and the General Organisation for Social Insurance issued a joint statement addressing updates regarding cases related to the Home Based Business programme “Khatwa” (Step).
The organisation emphasised that programme participants who added previous service periods and met the requirements for practising their activity under applicable laws and regulations continue to receive their retirement pensions. This group comprises 114 individuals.
The statement clarified that some violators have completed legal settlement procedures after coordinating with the organisation, enabling the continued disbursement of their pensions. A total of 501 individuals corrected their status and continued receiving their retirement pensions without interruption.
The Ministry of Labour confirmed that, following directives from the Cabinet, it has begun registering violators from the Khatwa programme, whose pensions were suspended, in the unemployment benefit programme for job seekers. The ministry noted that the eligibility of 683 individuals will be reviewed to ensure they meet the requirements, preparing for their registration to receive financial benefits and access to suitable job opportunities.
The joint statement emphasised the commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the disbursement of pensions and unemployment benefits to eligible individuals. It called for cooperation from all parties to protect the pension funds, enhance transparency, and promote accountability in the interest of the public and the rights of contributors.
