Bahrain gets new labour law

NEW legislation including tougher punishments for companies that flout health and safety standards, grants private sector workers 30 days of annual leave and increases the length of maternity leave will finally come into effect after four years of delays. 

 

The new-look labour law was passed by Bahrain’s Shura Council recently, after being delayed by conflict between the upper chamber of the National Assembly and parliament over certain articles. 

 

But the Shura Council recently voted in favour of MPs’ amendments on the last two disputed articles, one of which sets out compensation for workers unfairly dismissed. 

 

Under the new law, employees sacked unfairly would qualify for an entire year’s salary in compensation. 

Meanwhile, employers who violate the new labour law would face fines of BD200 to BD500. 

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan described the decision as a “milestone” for the private sector. 

 

“The differences between the two legislative chambers are not huge and I believe councillors should pass parliament’s amendments on the two conflicted articles,” he said before the vote. 

 

“The new law will revitalise the private sector labour market in a way that will take Bahrain to unprecedented heights, considering it would give more rights to employees – besides ensuring that employers’ rights are protected at the same time.” 

 

Under the law, female private sector workers get 60 days maternity leave instead of the current 45. 

 

Contracts signed under the existing law would have to be updated to include benefits granted under the new legislation. However, if employees actually lose benefits as a result new contracts have to be drawn up. 

 

Failure to implement proper health and safety standards at work could carry jail sentences of up to three months and fines of BD500 to BD1,000, or both; and doubled for a repeat offence.