Annual Leave and Public Holidays
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?
Bahrain's Labour Law guarantees paid time off for all private-sector workers:
- Annual leave: At least 30 calendar days of paid leave per year after completing 1 year of service. For the first year, leave is pro-rated.
- Public holidays: Workers are entitled to paid time off on all official public holidays declared by the government (typically 8-10 days per year, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day, and New Year).
- Sick leave: Up to 55 days per year — the first 15 days at full pay, the next 20 days at half pay, and the remaining 20 days unpaid (with a medical certificate).
- Carrying over leave: Unused annual leave can be carried over, but the employer may limit accumulation. You are entitled to cash compensation for unused leave upon termination.
When does it apply?
- You have completed at least 1 year of continuous service with the same employer for the full 30-day entitlement.
- You are a private-sector worker under the Labour Law (public-sector employees have separate regulations).
- You are leaving your job and have unused annual leave remaining.
What should you do?
- Submit leave requests in writing and keep copies of approvals.
- Check how many leave days you have accrued — your employer should maintain records.
- If you are denied leave without valid reason, raise it with HR first, then the Ministry of Labour.
- Upon resignation or termination, claim payment for unused leave — this is your legal right.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not take leave without approval — unapproved absence can be grounds for disciplinary action.
- Do not forfeit your leave — some employers pressure workers to skip holidays, but you are entitled to take them.
- Do not forget sick leave documentation — always get a medical certificate for sick days after 3 consecutive days.
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