Working Hours and Overtime 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 sets clear limits on working time, with specific protections that reflect the country's climate and religious calendar:
- Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week (excluding breaks). These limits are enforced by the Ministry of Labour through workplace inspections.
- Ramadan reduction: Working hours drop to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for Muslim employees during the holy month.
- Overtime pay: At least 125% of your normal hourly rate for daytime overtime. Work between 7 PM and 7 AM qualifies as night overtime and is paid at 150% of your normal rate (Law No. 36/2012, Arts. 1 & 54). Overtime on public holidays also pays 150%.
- Rest break: At least 30 minutes after 6 consecutive hours. Breaks are unpaid and do not count toward working time.
- Weekly rest: At least one full day off (24 consecutive hours), usually Friday. Working your rest day earns overtime pay or a substitute day off.
- Summer heat ban: During July and August, outdoor work is banned from 12 PM to 4 PM — employers who violate this face fines from the Ministry of Labour.
When does it apply?
- You work in the private sector under a contract governed by the Labour Law.
- You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 48 hours in a week.
- You are a Muslim employee whose employer is not reducing hours during Ramadan.
- You work outdoors and are being asked to continue during banned heat hours in July-August.
What to Do If Your Employer Forces Unpaid Overtime or Ignores the Heat Ban in Bahrain
- Track your hours — keep a personal log of start times, end times, and breaks separate from your employer's records.
- Verify your WPS pay slip to confirm overtime is calculated at the correct rate (125% or 150%).
- If your employer does not pay overtime, raise it in writing first, then file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.
- During the summer heat ban, refuse outdoor work between 12-4 PM — this is your legal right and the LMRA supports enforcement.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not agree to unpaid overtime — the law mandates compensation for every extra hour, and WPS records should reflect it.
- Do not waive your weekly rest day as a regular practice — it is a legal entitlement, not a negotiable benefit.
- Do not work outdoors during banned hours even if pressured — your employer faces fines of up to BHD 500 per violation.
Common Questions
When does it apply — working hours and overtime?
You work in the private sector under a contract governed by the Labour Law.You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or more than 48 hours in a week.You are a Muslim employee whose employer is not reducing hours during Ramadan.You work outdoors and are being asked to continue during banned heat hours in July-August.
What should I do if my employer is making me work overtime without pay or during the summer outdoor work ban in Bahrain?
Track your hours — keep a personal log of start times, end times, and breaks separate from your employer's records.Verify your WPS pay slip to confirm overtime is calculated at the correct rate (125% or 150%).If your employer does not pay overtime, raise it in writing first, then file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour.During the summer heat ban, refuse outdoor work between 12-4 PM — this is your legal right and the LMRA supports enforcement.
What should you NOT do — working hours and overtime?
Do not agree to unpaid overtime — the law mandates compensation for every extra hour, and WPS records should reflect it.Do not waive your weekly rest day as a regular practice — it is a legal entitlement, not a negotiable benefit.Do not work outdoors during banned hours even if pressured — your employer faces fines of up to BHD 500 per violation.