Frequency Asked Questions

Tamkeen is reviewing and redesigning its programs to ensure that it delivers positive economic impact and that its programs are fully aligned with Tamkeen’s 2026-2030 strategic direction. In line with this, program effectiveness will be improved, with a focus support on priority sectors and measurable impact, enabling Bahrainis to remain competitive in the labor market, empowering the private sector to be the engine of growth in national economy and ensuring that it aligns with the long-term government objectives.  

While Tamkeen will temporarily suspend applications for several programs in order to allow for redesign, some programs will remain open for applications.  

The following programs will remain open during the review period and will continue to operate according to existing terms and conditions: 

Employment Support Programs 

• National Employment Program 
• Apprenticeship Program  
• Jobseekers Training Program  
• Freelancer Support Initiative 

Applications will continue to be accepted until redesigned versions of these programs are launched, where applicable. 

Enterprise Support Programs 

• Financing Programs: SME Fund in collaboration with BDB to provide financing (with targeted design adjustments where required) 

Tamkeen programs are either temporarily suspended for redesign or fully closed as part of the transition to the new strategy.

Programs Temporarily Suspended (to be redesigned and relaunched)

These programs are suspended for a limited period to allow for redesign and alignment with the new strategic priorities. Relaunch will take place in phases throughout 2026. 

Career Development Support Programs 

• Wage Increment Program 
• Leadership Employment Program 
• Professional Certification Support Program 
• Enterprise Training Support Program  

Enterprise Support Programs 

• Start Your Business Program
• Business Growth  Program
• Digital Solutions Program  
• Financing Support Program (Tamweel) 
• Riyadat Program  
• Mashroo3i Program 

 Programs Fully Closed (from January 2026)

The following programs will be fully closed and will not continue in their current form: 

Employment Support Programs  

• Train and Place Program  

Career Development Programs  

• Wage Increment Program – “New Employees” 
• Global Ready Talent Program  

Enterprise Support Programs  

• Global Ready Entrepreneur Program  

These programs will be replaced by new or redesigned programs aligned with Tamkeen’s updated priorities. 

Yes, applications may be submitted prior to the announced suspension or closure date. Any applications received before this date will continue to be processed and assessed in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions. 
 

Applications submitted before the deadline and approved after the suspension or closure date will be fully honored. 

Approval timing does not affect eligibility as long as the application was submitted before the announced deadline. 

Tamkeen will fully honor all approved and active contracts. 
All contractual obligations and payments will continue until the contractual end date, subject to compliance with program requirements. 

No, payments will not stop for existing beneficiaries.  
There will be no interruption to payments for approved and active contracts, provided beneficiaries continue to meet the program’s terms and conditions. 

• Incomplete applications (in draft format on Tamkeen’s portal) must be completed before the announced deadlines to be considered under the current program structure. 
• Sent-back applications will have an open window for resubmission provided that the resubmission is made before the deadline. 
• Rejected applications will be unable to reapply to the existing programs due to ineligibility and will therefore be required to resubmit their application with the updated programs when applicable. 

Program launches will take place in phases during 2026, and will include:

• Employment and training -focused programs for individuals,  
• Micro and SME operational and financing support programs, and  
• Growth, advisory, and training incentives 

Yes, some eligibility criteria, funding limits, and support structures may be updated in line with Tamkeen’s 2026 – 2030 strategy and its strategic priorities to reflect  

• Priority sectors 
• Labor market needs 
• SME growth objectives 

Full details will be announced prior to each program’s launch. 

Employment Support and Career Development Support Programs  

Amendments will be allowed for: 

• Changing training program dates and exam dates within the contract period for training programs  
• Shifting employees from one branch to another, if there is an existing application under the new branch  
• The following amendments will not be allowed: 
• Adding new employees or training programs (where applicable)  
• Shifting employees to a new CR  

Enterprise Support Programs  

Amendments that involve adding new items or replacing approved items in a way that increases the total grant amount are not allowed. 

If a replacement item has a higher cost than the originally approved item, Tamkeen may accept the amendment; however, the grant amount will remain capped at the originally approved value, and any additional cost must be covered by the beneficiary. 

However, replacing an approved item is permitted only for the following, provided the total grant amount does not increase: 

• The original item is out of stock, or 
• There is a change in vendor, and 
• The replacement remains within the same approved scope, and 

No. Contract extensions are not permitted. 

Enterprises with approved applications must complete purchases and submit the corresponding payment requests within the contractual timeframes. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the contract. 

Applications submitted before the announced closure date will continue to be processed under the current program terms. 

If an application or a payment request is sent back for missing or additional information, it must be resubmitted within 60 days of the send-back notification.
Failure to resubmit within this period will result in automatic cancellation. 

No you will not be able to submit draft applications after programs closure.  Applications that remain in draft status after the deadline will not be accepted or processed. 
Draft applications must be officially submitted before the announced deadline to be considered.