Annual Leave and Public Holidays in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bahrain's Labour Law provides generous paid leave by Gulf standards, and the SIO unemployment safety net makes leave disputes lower-stakes than in neighbouring countries:
- Annual leave: At least 30 calendar days of paid leave per year after completing 1 year of service. Leave is pro-rated for your first year.
- Public holidays: Workers receive 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 (16-17 December), and New Year.
- Sick leave: Up to 55 days per year — the first 15 at full pay, the next 20 at half pay, and the remaining 20 unpaid (medical certificate required).
- Carrying over leave: Unused annual leave can be carried over, but the employer may limit accumulation. Upon termination, you are entitled to cash compensation for unused days.
- SIO coverage during leave: Your social insurance contributions continue during paid leave, keeping your pension and unemployment insurance benefits on track.
When does it apply?
- You have completed at least 1 year of continuous service for the full 30-day entitlement.
- You are a private-sector worker under the Labour Law (public-sector employees follow separate Civil Service Bureau regulations).
- You are leaving your job and have unused annual leave remaining.
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses Your Annual Leave or Withholds Unused Leave Payout in Bahrain
- Submit leave requests in writing and keep copies of approvals for your records.
- Check your accrued leave balance — your employer should track this, but verify against your own records.
- If denied leave without valid reason, raise it with HR first, then file with the Ministry of Labour.
- Upon resignation or termination, claim payment for unused leave — calculate based on your daily rate times unused days and confirm it appears in your final settlement.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not take leave without written approval — unapproved absence can be grounds for disciplinary action or even termination for cause.
- Do not forfeit your leave — some employers pressure workers to skip holidays, but you have a legal right to take them.
- Do not forget sick leave documentation — always obtain a medical certificate for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days.
Common Questions
When does it apply — annual leave and public holidays?
You have completed at least 1 year of continuous service for the full 30-day entitlement.You are a private-sector worker under the Labour Law (public-sector employees follow separate Civil Service Bureau regulations).You are leaving your job and have unused annual leave remaining.
What should I do if my employer is denying my annual leave or not paying out unused leave days when I resign in Bahrain?
Submit leave requests in writing and keep copies of approvals for your records.Check your accrued leave balance — your employer should track this, but verify against your own records.If denied leave without valid reason, raise it with HR first, then file with the Ministry of Labour.Upon resignation or termination, claim payment for unused leave — calculate based on your daily rate times unused days and confirm it appears in your final settlement.
What should you NOT do — annual leave and public holidays?
Do not take leave without written approval — unapproved absence can be grounds for disciplinary action or even termination for cause.Do not forfeit your leave — some employers pressure workers to skip holidays, but you have a legal right to take them.Do not forget sick leave documentation — always obtain a medical certificate for absences exceeding 3 consecutive days.