New fathers in Bahrain’s government sector could soon receive three days of paid leave, as the Parliament’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has supported a plan to extend paternity benefits. MP Jalal Kadhem has submitted amendments to the Labour Law, with one for government employees already approved by the committee and another for the private sector still pending review. The proposed changes would see paternity leave expanded from one day to three paid days, aiming to provide families with more support during the crucial early days after a child’s birth.
The intention behind the proposed changes is to allow fathers to spend more time at home, assisting their wives and bonding with their newborns. According to Kadhem, the father’s responsibilities include handling official paperwork for the baby and being by his wife’s side until she is discharged and safe. Having the father present during this time can reassure mothers and elevate their spirits, contributing to a stronger family unit.
Kadhem referenced Saudi Arabia’s policy, where employees are granted three days of paid leave upon the birth of a child. He believes Bahrain could adopt a similar approach, aiming to strengthen family bonds and alleviate the initial challenges faced by new parents. Connecting his proposal to Bahrain’s Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of family as the foundation of society, Kadhem’s plan aligns with the values of protecting family bonds, ensuring the well-being of mothers and children, and promoting loyalty within the family unit.
The proposed amendments are anticipated to be deliberated in Parliament during the upcoming sessions, with MPs tasked with deciding on the final approval of the extended paternity leave. The potential changes reflect a family-first approach that strives to help fathers in Bahrain strike a balance between their work responsibilities and their roles at home, aligning with the government’s commitment to supporting families and promoting family values within the society.
By granting new fathers in the government sector three days of paid leave, the proposed amendments seek to provide families with enhanced support and assistance during the early days following a child’s birth. MP Jalal Kadhem’s efforts to extend paternity benefits aim to prioritize family well-being, recognizing the pivotal role that fathers play in supporting their wives and bonding with their newborns. The proposal draws parallels with existing policies in countries like Saudi Arabia, fostering family bonds and addressing the challenges faced by new parents in Bahrain.
The potential revisions to Bahrain’s Labour Law, backed by the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, signify a step towards recognizing and supporting the essential role of fathers in the family unit. Kadhem’s proposal aligns with Bahrain’s constitutional values, emphasizing the significance of family as the cornerstone of society, and aims to enact laws that safeguard family bonds and ensure the protection of mothers and children. As the proposal progresses towards parliamentary discussions, it represents a commitment to upholding family values and promoting a holistic work-life balance for fathers in Bahrain’s government sector.
