Maternity and Parental Leave
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 provides maternity protections for working mothers, though paternity leave remains limited:
- Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 75 days of paid maternity leave — 30 days before the expected delivery date and 45 days after.
- Pay during maternity: Full pay for the first 30 days, then half pay for the remaining 15 days (if the employee has been with the employer for 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 are entitled to 2 hours per day for breastfeeding, counted as working time.
- Paternity leave: Fathers are entitled to 1 day of paid leave on the birth of a child.
- Job protection: It is illegal to dismiss a woman because of pregnancy or maternity leave.
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 due to pregnancy.
What should you do?
- Notify your employer in writing of your expected delivery date, providing a medical certificate.
- Confirm the start and end dates of your maternity leave with HR.
- If dismissed during pregnancy or maternity leave, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour immediately.
- After returning, request your nursing breaks — they are a legal right for 6 months.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not resign under pressure — dismissal during maternity leave is illegal and you can claim compensation.
- Do not skip medical documentation — always provide certificates to support your leave dates.
- Do not waive your nursing break entitlement — it is paid working time by law.
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