Maternity and Parental Leave 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 maternity protections are backed by the SIO social insurance system, which means benefits continue even if a worker changes employers during pregnancy:
- Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 75 days of paid maternity leave — 30 days before the expected delivery and 45 days after.
- Pay during maternity: Full pay for the first 30 days, then half pay for the remaining 15 days if employed less than 3 years. After 3 years of service, the entire 75 days is at full pay.
- Nursing breaks: For 6 months after returning to work, nursing mothers get 2 hours per day for breastfeeding, counted as paid working time.
- Paternity leave: Fathers receive 1 day of paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- Job protection: It is illegal to dismiss a woman because of pregnancy or maternity leave. If dismissed, she can claim compensation through the Ministry of Labour.
- SIO continuity: Your pension and unemployment insurance contributions through the SIO continue accruing during maternity leave, ensuring no gap in coverage.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee who is pregnant or has recently given birth.
- You are a father whose child has just been born (1 day paternity leave).
- You have been dismissed or threatened with dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave.
What to Do If You Are Dismissed During Pregnancy or Denied Maternity Leave Rights in Bahrain
- Notify your employer in writing of your expected delivery date with a medical certificate, and confirm the start and end dates of your leave with HR.
- Verify with HR that your SIO contributions continue during maternity leave.
- If dismissed during pregnancy or maternity leave, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour immediately — pregnancy dismissal carries additional compensation.
- After returning, claim your nursing breaks — they are 2 hours of paid working time per day for 6 months.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not resign under pressure — dismissal during maternity leave is illegal and you are entitled to compensation plus end-of-service benefits.
- Do not skip medical documentation — always provide certificates to support your leave dates and any complications.
- Do not waive your nursing break entitlement — it is paid working time by law and your employer cannot deduct it from your salary.
Common Questions
When does it apply — maternity and parental leave?
You are a female employee who is pregnant or has recently given birth.You are a father whose child has just been born (1 day paternity leave).You have been dismissed or threatened with dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave.
What should I do if my employer dismisses me because I am pregnant or refuses my maternity leave entitlement in Bahrain?
Notify your employer in writing of your expected delivery date with a medical certificate, and confirm the start and end dates of your leave with HR.Verify with HR that your SIO contributions continue during maternity leave.If dismissed during pregnancy or maternity leave, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour immediately — pregnancy dismissal carries additional compensation.After returning, claim your nursing breaks — they are 2 hours of paid working time per day for 6 months.
What should you NOT do — maternity and parental leave?
Do not resign under pressure — dismissal during maternity leave is illegal and you are entitled to compensation plus end-of-service benefits.Do not skip medical documentation — always provide certificates to support your leave dates and any complications.Do not waive your nursing break entitlement — it is paid working time by law and your employer cannot deduct it from your salary.