Bahraini Company Ordered to Pay BD3,000 for Unlawful Termination of Expat Worker

TDT | Manama

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In a significant ruling, a Bahraini company has been ordered to pay BD3,000 in compensation to an Arab expat worker following her unlawful dismissal. The Labour Court's decision underscores the critical importance of compliance with labor laws regarding employee terminations.

Details of the case reveal that the female employee was terminated without prior notice or compensation after just eight months of service. She was employed under a two-year contract with a monthly salary of BD280.

Following her unexpected dismissal, the company neglected to settle her outstanding dues, including end-of-service benefits. Represented by lawyer Ali Al Mahfoudh, the employee filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for wrongful dismissal, unpaid annual leave, a return airfare ticket, and a service certificate, in addition to her end-of-service benefits.

The court referred to Article 1012 of Bahrain’s Labour Law, which stipulates that the employer bears the burden of proving the legitimacy of the contract termination. Since the company failed to provide a valid reason for the dismissal, the court ruled it unlawful. The ruling further highlighted that the company did not furnish any evidence showing that the legally required notice period was observed before termination.

Consequently, by Article 99 of the Labour Law, the court awarded the employee compensation equivalent to her salary for the duration of the remaining notice period. This ruling serves as a reminder for employers to adhere strictly to labor regulations to avoid legal repercussions.