Paid paternity leave for new dads?

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Three days of paid paternity leave.

Should public sector companies offer this to new fathers?

When Parliament meets again, MPs are set to debate this. The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has already raised concerns that this would increase costs, as men account for 43 per cent of the public sector workforce. The proposal by MP Jalal Kadhem argues that fathers should be there for their wives and newborns without having to dip into their annual leave.

The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee supports the move, saying it would allow for a better balance between work and home life.

"The family is the bedrock of society," Kadhem said, quoting Bahrain’s Constitution. "Fathers should be given time to take care of paperwork and hospital requirements at this crucial time.

" The CSB warns that the cost of paid leave would put a strain on public services, particularly in schools, hospitals, and utilities. It also argues that men already have options for time off, including their standard leave, which can be taken in half-day or hourly slots.

Public sector maternity leave is already fully paid, starting from the day of birth or up to 15 days before. New mothers also get two daily breastfeeding hours for two years and can take unpaid leave for childcare up to a set limit.

The committee disagrees with the CSB’s stance, saying the change would help ease the strain on families. "A father’s presence at such an important time gives reassurance to his wife and ensures he is there for any emergencies," its report said.

The CSB maintained that government costs must be kept in check, warning that extra leave would add to expenses and could affect service delivery. "The government is working to lift productivity and keep spending on track," it said.

Kadhem rejected the pushback. "The birth of a child is a turning point for any family," he said. "A father should not have to choose between work and being there for his wife and child."