Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of workforce management in Bahrain, governed primarily by the country's Labor Law. Employers must ensure their policies and practices align with these legal requirements to maintain compliance and foster positive employee relations. Understanding the specific provisions for annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and various other types of statutory leave is essential for businesses operating within the Kingdom.
Navigating these regulations requires careful attention to detail, from calculating accruals for vacation time to understanding the conditions under which sick leave or parental leave can be taken. This guide provides an overview of the key leave entitlements employees are granted under Bahraini law, offering clarity for employers seeking to manage their workforce effectively and compliantly in 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Bahrain are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service. The minimum entitlement increases once an employee has completed one full year of service.
- Entitlement:
- After completing one year of continuous service: 30 days per year.
- During the first year of service: Leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month.
- Timing: Employees are generally entitled to take their annual leave after completing at least one year of service. However, leave accrued during the first year can often be taken on a pro-rata basis with employer agreement.
- Payment: Annual leave is paid at the employee's basic wage plus housing allowance (if applicable) for the duration of the leave.
- Accumulation: The law permits employees to accumulate their annual leave for a period not exceeding two years, provided there is agreement between the employer and employee.
- Termination: Upon termination of employment, employees are entitled to payment in lieu of any accrued but untaken annual leave.
| Length of Service | Annual Leave Entitlement | Accrual Rate (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | Pro-rata | 2.5 days |
| 1 year or more | 30 days | 2.5 days |
Public Holidays
Bahrain observes several official public holidays throughout the year, during which employees are typically entitled to a paid day off. The dates for some holidays, particularly those based on the Islamic calendar, are subject to official sighting of the moon and may vary slightly each year.
Key Public Holidays in Bahrain include:
- New Year's Day (Gregorian)
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- Labour Day
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- Ashura
- Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
- Bahrain National Day
If a public holiday falls on a weekend (Friday or Saturday), a compensatory day off is usually granted. Employees required to work on a public holiday are typically entitled to receive double pay or a compensatory day off in addition to their regular wage.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in Bahrain are entitled to paid sick leave, provided they present a medical certificate from an approved medical center or physician. The entitlement and payment structure for sick leave are tiered based on the duration of absence within a single year.
- Entitlement: Up to 55 days of sick leave per year.
- Payment Structure:
- First 15 days: Full pay.
- Next 20 days: Half pay.
- Remaining 20 days: Unpaid.
- Conditions: Sick leave is granted upon presentation of a medical certificate. The employer may arrange for the employee to be examined by a company-appointed physician.
| Sick Leave Duration (per year) | Payment Rate |
|---|---|
| First 15 days | Full Pay |
| Next 20 days | Half Pay |
| Remaining 20 days | Unpaid |
Parental Leave
Bahraini labor law provides specific entitlements for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave for female employees and a shorter period for paternity leave.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: Female employees are entitled to 60 days of paid maternity leave.
- Timing: This leave can be taken before and/or after childbirth.
- Conditions: A medical certificate confirming the expected or actual date of birth is required.
- Additional Leave: A female employee may take an additional 15 days of unpaid leave after her paid maternity leave, provided she has a medical certificate stating that she is unable to return to work due to illness related to childbirth.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Male employees are typically entitled to 1 day of paid paternity leave upon the birth of their child.
Adoption Leave
Bahraini labor law does not explicitly define a separate category for adoption leave with specific entitlements comparable to maternity leave. Any leave related to adoption would typically fall under general leave policies or require agreement between the employer and employee, potentially utilizing annual leave entitlements.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond annual, public, sick, and parental leave, Bahraini law also provides for other specific types of leave under certain circumstances.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration varies depending on the relationship:
- Death of spouse or child: 6 days.
- Death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, or aunt: 3 days.
- Hajj Leave: Muslim employees are entitled to special unpaid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Entitlement: Up to 21 days.
- Conditions: This leave is granted only once during the employee's period of service with the employer.
- Study Leave: While not a universal entitlement for all employees, some employers may grant study leave based on company policy or specific agreements, particularly for employees pursuing education relevant to their role. The terms (paid or unpaid, duration) are typically at the employer's discretion or subject to contractual agreement.
- Leave for Official Duties: Employees may be granted leave to attend official duties, such as appearing in court or participating in national service, as required by law. The terms of such leave (paid or unpaid) may depend on the specific circumstances and legal provisions.
