Domestic Worker Protections
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders.
Bahraini National Law
What is this right?
Domestic workers in Bahrain (housemaids, drivers, cooks, nannies) have specific legal protections, though they are partially excluded from the general Labour Law:
- Written contract: All domestic workers must have a trilingual contract (Arabic, English, and the worker's native language) specifying duties, salary, rest days, and accommodation.
- Salary: Wages must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) to a bank account. The employer cannot withhold salary.
- Rest days: Domestic workers are entitled to at least one day off per week.
- Passport retention: Employers are prohibited from confiscating the worker's passport. This is a criminal offence.
- Abuse protections: Domestic workers who are abused, unpaid, or exploited can file complaints with the LMRA and request an emergency transfer to a new employer.
- Shelter: The government operates a shelter for abused domestic workers while their cases are being resolved.
When does it apply?
- You are a domestic worker in Bahrain (housemaid, driver, cook, nanny, or gardener).
- Your employer is withholding your salary, passport, or abusing you.
- You want to transfer to a different employer.
What should you do?
- Keep your passport in your own possession — if your employer takes it, report this to the LMRA or police.
- Insist on salary payment through the bank and keep your bank statements.
- If abused or unpaid, contact the LMRA domestic worker hotline or visit their office to file a complaint.
- Request an emergency shelter placement if you are in danger and have no safe place to stay.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not run away without filing a complaint — leaving your employer without proper process can put you in an illegal status.
- Do not accept cash salary without records — insist on bank transfers for proof of payment.
- Do not sign documents in Arabic you do not understand — request a translation before signing.
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