The economic stimulus package to Bahrain’s private sector will be further extended, announced the Minister of Finance and National Economy, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, earlier this week.
The stimulus, originally granted in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, is designed to help privately-owned businesses navigate the economic impact of the pandemic relatively safely. It was a landmark step taken by the Kingdom’s government to provide safeguard to private-sector employees.
Beyond the extension, the Minister also confirmed that additional measures are being taken to further improve the efficacy of the stimulus after due consultation with the Legislative Authority and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
As part of this extension, the government will be providing 50% of the salaries of all insured citizens employed by the private sector organizations worst hit by COVID-19. The scheme will apply over a period of three months starting this July. During these three months, the government will also cover the domestic electricity costs for primary residences.
“This additional package of measures announced today will further reduce pressure on householders and families across the Kingdom, at the same time as supporting the many jobs of those employed in the private sector, as their employers continue to respond to the unique economic challenges posed by COVID-19,” said H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at the time of the announcement.