Latest Bahrain News

New labour laws brings cheer to private sector workers

According to latest legislation announced in Bahrain, tough penalties are likely for companies that flout health and safety standards, while private sector workers will receive 30 days of annual leave and increased maternity leaves. The new law also grants additional rights to domestic workers, who were earlier not covered by law.

This new law was ratified by His Majesty King Hamad last weekend, together with Labour Minister, Jameel Humaidan, with six months time to implement it.

As per the new law, employees who have been sacked from the company unfairly are eligible for a year’s salary as compensation. The employers who violate the new Labour Law are also likely to face fines in the range BD200 to BD500.

The new law also entitles female workers in private sector to 60 days of maternity leave, extending it further from the current 45 days. They can also take another 15 days off without pay, if required, making it in line with their counterparts in the government sector.

The contracts signed as per the current law need to be updated to include benefits granted under the new legislation. But, if employees actually lose benefits, new contracts may have to be drawn up.

Failure to implement good health and safety standards at work will result in jail sentence of up to three months and fines in the range BD500 to BD1000 or both.

Employees will be granted sick leave of up to 15 days in a year with pay, and 20 additional days with half-pay and 20 more days without pay. The sick leave can be extended to 182 days, if ordered by medical commission.

Further, employees in the age group 15 to 18, who are not working on professional contract, can also take an annual leave of up to 30 days.

The new law also ensures proper rights to housemaids, bringing them under proper contractual terms with their sponsors, wherein, they have the right to file grievances in case of a breach of contract.

According to Humaidan, the new law has several labour rights that brings private sector employees in line with Civil Service Bureau. The new law will also help bring in more investments, as several Bahrainis will now be interested in private sector jobs. Further, the old law was introduced 36 years ago, and had to be replaced to keep pace with development in Bahrain.

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