70-day maternity leave for private sector workers proposed

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Private-sector maternity leave may extend to 70 days, with an extra 15 unpaid days, under a proposed amendment to Bahrain’s Labour Law.

MP Hanan Fardan has put forward the plan, which aims to improve support for working mothers and bring Bahrain closer to practices in nearby countries.

The amendment would revise paragraph “A” of Article 32 of the Labour Law in the Private Sector, issued under Law No. 36 of 2012.

The proposed text reads: “A female worker is entitled to 70 days of paid maternity leave, covering the period before and after childbirth, provided she submits a medical certificate from a recognised government health centre or an employer-approved clinic specifying the expected delivery date. Additionally, the female worker may take an unpaid leave of 15 days related to childbirth, in addition to the aforementioned leave.”

Guidance

The proposal looks to other countries for guidance.

In Saudi Arabia, women are entitled to 10 weeks of fully paid maternity leave under the Labour Law, with up to four weeks allowed before the expected delivery date.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, women receive 90 days of fully paid leave, spanning pre- and post-delivery periods.

The explanatory note for the proposal points to constitutional principles that safeguard equality for women while balancing their work and family responsibilities.

Clause “B” of Article 5 of the Constitution affirms equal opportunities for women in political, social, cultural, and economic life, provided these align with Islamic values. Additionally, Clause “A” of Article 92 empowers members of Parliament to propose legal changes.

MP Fardan explained: “The legislative authority has a responsibility to revisit and adjust laws when circumstances demand, particularly those that touch on key social structures. This proposal seeks to provide a stronger framework for supporting working women and their families.”

The proposed change is designed to enhance conditions for working mothers and ensure Bahrain’s labour policies remain competitive. It also reflects a broader effort to update workplace regulations to meet the needs of today’s MP Hanan Fardan workforce.