Labour Force Survey

About

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a household survey aimed at collecting detailed information on a range of labour market–related indicators. Its main objectives include identifying the occupational structure and economic activity of employed persons and measuring labour indicators, including employment and economic participation rates, according to demographic characteristics. This is achieved through the selection of a random sample of more than 2,000 households on a quarterly basis over the course of one year in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The survey is based on the standards and recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ensure credibility and international comparability. The resulting data are used as a basis for analyzing labour market dynamics, addressing social and economic challenges, and supporting decision-makers in the Kingdom of Bahrain in formulating appropriate policies.
The survey will be carried out using a combination of face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews (for repeated samples only). Data will be collected using paper and electronic forms, ensuring flexibility and accuracy during interviews. A random sample of more than 2,000 households will be selected on a quarterly basis over the course of one year.

Objectives

Provide detailed data on Bahrain’s local and foreign labour force classified according to their population and socio-economic characteristics. 
Measure labour force unemployment, operation,  economic participation and dependency rates according to a number of variables. 
Provide data on training programs for job seekers and learn about experiences of past seekers. 
Provide data of the unemployed and the employed according to their features and academic qualifications. Additionally, identify career components and economic activities for employees according to a set of variables. 
Identify average of monthly salary of employees and provide data on the average active weekly working hours according to career and employees economic activity. 
Provide detailed data of job seekers as well as data on organized and non-organized employment. 
Provide indicators on labour force for decision-makers as well as public and private sectors. In addition to regional and international organizations which are capable of setting suitable plans.

Procedures

Sample and Period
The survey is carried-out during a course of one year on randomly selected samples of 4,500 Bahraini and non-Bahraini households including labour camps throughout all governorates in the Kingdom. 

Required Data
Households will be contacted and informed that they are amongst the selected samples to carry-out the survey. An appointment will be set to visit them at their convenience. The survey enables the monitoring and fulfilling of varied seasonal information that are available only through field visits while taking into account seasonal employment and unemployment variables. After ensuring that all data in the program are completed, survey workers will continue to work with the household to ensure accuracy and completion of data. The data is then checked, analyzed and results are extracted after obtaining necessary clarifications from households if required. The collected information are confidential and are not revealed. They are only to be used for statistical purposes.