MPs propose extending paid maternity leave for private sector workers

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Three MPs, Hanan Fardan, Jaleela Al Sayed and Basma Mubarak, have submitted a draft law proposing to increase paid maternity leave for women in the private sector from the current 60 days to 70 days.

The proposed amendment targets clause (a) of Article 32 of the Labour Law in the private sector (Law No. 36 of 2012).

Currently, the law grants female employees 60 days of paid maternity leave, encompassing the period before and after childbirth, requiring a medical certificate from a government health center or employer-approved clinic. Employees may also take an additional 15 days of unpaid leave.

The explanatory memorandum accompanying the draft law cites neighbouring countries as examples, highlighting that Saudi Arabia grants 10 weeks of paid maternity leave, a similar provision existing in Egypt.

The proposal also references Article 5, Clause (b) of the Bahraini Constitution, which guarantees the state’s role in balancing women’s family responsibilities with their work, ensuring equality with men in political, social, cultural, and economic spheres, without violating Islamic law.

The MPs’ proposal aims to enhance support for working mothers in Bahrain, aligning the country’s maternity leave provisions with regional standards and emphasising the constitutional commitment to gender equality