More dad days? Business concerns stall paternity leave plan

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain already offers more holidays to private sector workers than some other Gulf countries, and increasing them further could harm business interests, officials have warned.

The Ministry of Labour and Bahrain Chamber made the statement in opposition to a proposal that would triple paid paternity leave for private sector employees from one day to three.

Parliament had previously approved paid paternity leave for public sector workers in February.

Covering staff shortages, Kadhem cited Saudi Arabia’s labour laws, which already grant three days of paid paternity leave. "If Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of this, why shouldn’t we?" he said. "The legislative authority has a duty to update laws in line with social realities. This is about fairness and acknowledging the vital role fathers play in their child’s early days."

Bahrain Chamber Chairman Samir bin Abdullah Nass, in a letter to Parliament, warned that adding extra leave days would put additional strain on businesses already managing high costs.

"The current law, which grants one day of leave, ensures a fair balance between employer and employee rights," he wrote. "The proposed amendment would create unnecessary financial pressure on businesses."

Unions, however, have backed the change, arguing that it would help close the gap between public and private sector benefits. The General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions called it a step forward for workers and family support, while the Free Trade Union Federation of Bahrain also endorsed the proposal.

The Services Committee has approved the bill, stating that it aligns with Bahrain’s family rights laws. MPs are set to debate the details on Tuesday.