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Middle East Edition
16th July 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Employers have confidence about graduate business programs
A recent global poll from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) suggests that employers have strong confidence in business schools and their graduates. Recruiters are planning to steadily hire or even expand MBA hiring in 2024, with a third expecting to hire more MBAs than last year. The most sought-after skills by employers are problem-solving and strategic thinking, followed by the anticipated growth in importance of AI skills. Consulting, finance, and data analytics are projected to see the most hiring growth in 2024, with employers in Asia showing the strongest hiring intentions. The survey also highlights the preference for in-person programs over online programs, with employers believing that in-person programs impart stronger technical, leadership, and communication skills. "This year's Corporate Recruiters Survey affirms that graduate business programs continue to be uniquely positioned—and trusted for their ability—to develop business talent with increasingly relevant and cutting-edge skills, who are equipped to tackle new and perennial challenges with a balance of tech and human understanding," observed Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC.
LEGAL
Over 3,100 irregular workers deported from Bahrain in crackdown on labour violations
More than 3,100 irregular workers have been deported from Bahrain in a nationwide crackdown on labour violations. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) conducted 408 investigations, resulting in the identification of 58 labour violators and the deportation of 168 irregular workers. The crackdown involved 394 inspection visits and 14 joint inspection campaigns. The LMRA says it continues to conduct inspections all over the kingdom to ensure compliance with labour regulations. "We are committed to protecting the rights of workers and maintaining a fair and transparent labour market," said an LMRA spokesperson.
Can online reporting stop workplace microaggressions?
Some management experts aver that if companies funnel employees to use anonymous hotlines to tell the truth about unacceptable behaviour, then it may suggest that it is risky to speak out.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
ADNOC and Mubadala partner to develop Emirati talent
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has witnessed the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between ADNOC and Mubadala Investment Company to enhance levels of cooperation in UAE national talent development, empowering outstanding Emiratis to contribute to the nation's sustainable development. It is hoped that the partnership between ADNOC and Mubadala will create career mobility opportunities, foster leadership talent, and upskill UAE nationals in high-growth sectors. Under the agreement, both companies will exchange knowledge and expertise to develop leaders through tailored programs. The collaboration also focuses on nurturing UAE national talent and delivering leadership development programs for outstanding Emirati youth and women.
Oman Transport Ministry launches initiatives to enhance employment opportunities
Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is implementing initiatives to enhance employment opportunities in the local transport and logistics sector and also the communications and information technology sector. The ministry plans to announce jobs exclusively for Omanis from January 2025 to the end of 2027. The Omanization targets set by the ministry are 20% for the transportation and logistics sector and 31% for the communications and information technology sector. The ministry aims to gradually replace expats with Omanis in the targeted sectors, reaching 100% Omanization. The ministry says it also encourages self-employment in these sectors and will apply the in-country value scheme to projects worth more than RO 3 million.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Over 150 workers participate in local hydration campaign
More than 150 workers gathered at an under-construction site in Bahrain's Busaiteen for the Indian Ladies Association's inaugural 'Water Drive' campaign. Each worker received a tray with assorted fruits, fruit juice, and water to stay hydrated. The campaign aimed to keep labourers refreshed and hydrated during their work.
INTERNATIONAL
UK bank sued for discrimination over pro-Palestine posts
Two Muslim women, Afra Sohail and Aungbeen Khalid, are suing Lloyds Bank, one of the UK's biggest lenders, for discrimination after being disciplined for posting pro-Palestine messages in an internal work forum for Muslim staff. They claim religious and philosophical belief discrimination and are seeking damages. Lloyds accused them of breaching integrity and discrimination rules and issued them with a final written warning for gross misconduct. The report notes that, during the hearing at the employment tribunal, Nicola Webster, a HR manager at the UK bank who presided over investigations into the two women, said that she does not know the history of the Palestine and Israel conflict which dates back to at least 1947. A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing an inclusive place of work for everyone, and will always take appropriate action if colleagues fail to meet the expected standards set out clearly in our conduct policy.”
Delta Air Lines changes employee uniform policy following controversy
Delta Air Lines is changing its employee uniform policy following a passenger's outrage over two flight attendants photographed wearing Palestinian pins. The uproar over the incident led Delta to ban its employees from wearing pins representing any country or nationality besides the U.S. Delta's previous policy allowed employees more flexibility with uniform accessories. The airline stated that the new policy is aimed at ensuring a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all. Delta also addressed a social media post made by one of its employees, who sympathized with passengers and criticized the attendants wearing the Palestinian pins. The employee responsible for the post has been removed from handling social media communications.
India remains top destination for talent in IT sector
As the IT sector undergoes significant transformations, India continues to be the go-to destination for talent, adapting to the tectonic shifts shaping the sector, The Times of India reports. TCS, for example, added 5,452 employees in the June quarter, bringing total headcount to 606,998. The company plans to hire around 40,000 freshers in the current financial year. TCS CHRO Milind Lakkad stated that India is the destination for talent and highlighted the company's efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry requirements through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
Malaysians in Australia's mining sector find positives to offset demanding FIFO work
Malaysians working in Australia's mining sector, particularly in fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) roles, have found that the unique environment and financial benefits help to balance the demanding nature of their work, reports South China Morning Post. These FIFO workers travel to remote work sites for extended periods, often staying in temporary accommodation provided by their employers. The mining camps offer various amenities such as gyms and swimming pools. Pauline Chuo, a 32-year-old electrical engineer from Sibu, Sarawak, is one of the Malaysian FIFO workers in Australia's mining sector. She says: "The money and unique environment make the demanding work more bearable."
OTHER
G20 leaders urged to back global tax on billionaires
Former presidents and prime ministers have sent an open letter to current leaders of the world's 20 largest economies urging support for a global tax on billionaires. The letter, signed by 19 Club de Madrid members, praised US President Joe Biden's billionaire income tax proposal and called for joint co-operation to combat tax evasion by the wealthiest. Signatories wrote: "A global deal to tax the ultra-rich would be a shot in the arm for multilateralism: proving that governments can come together for the common good." The proposal, crafted by French economist Gabriel Zucman from the independent EU Tax Observatory, calls for an annual 2% levy on fortunes exceeding $1bn. This, the report calculates, could raise up to $250bn annually from about 3,000 individuals. While some nations have raised objections, France, Spain, Colombia, Belgium, the African Union, and South Africa have already supported the initiative.
 


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