Bahrain extends maternity leave by 10 days

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Parliamentarians yesterday approved a proposal ratcheting up the length of maternity leave of government employees by ten more days to 70.

Earlier, woman employees in government jobs had only 60 days to take care of her baby, before returning to work.

The new rule also gives a father a three-day leave to help the mother and baby.

Earlier, he had only a single day for that.

Deputy Fatima Al-Qatari said the cost for implementing the proposal does not exceed 500 thousand dinars, which, she said, “is very small compared to the benefits reaped.”

The cost is also minor compared to the total manpower-related expenditures, which is more than one billion dinars, according to the financial statements for the year 2019, she added. Al-Qatari said the extra days would have a tremendous impact on a woman’s psyche and health.

“It allows her some more time to overcome the effects of postpartum.” “The move would enhance her productivity, and helps reconcile the requirements of her family and society.” Regarding the proposal to extend parental leave, Qatari said many men are now deducting days from their annual leave to assist mother and baby during the first days of birth.

The proposal, Al Qatari said, takes a cue from the experiences of some neighbouring countries.

“The United Arab Emirates grants working women 90 days as maternity leave,” Fatima Al-Qatari said.