The Parliament of Bahrain is set to discuss a draft law that focuses on introducing protections for workers, particularly domestic staff, in the country. The proposed law also suggests imposing fines of up to 500 dinars on employers who retain workers’ identification documents without their consent. The aim of the law is to modernize labor legislation, ensure that workers’ rights are respected, and update outdated terminology. This includes replacing terms such as ‘household servants’ and ‘household servant’ with ‘domestic employees’ and ‘domestic employee’ in all existing laws and regulations.
The draft law also states that employers must issue receipts for any documents, certificates, or tools deposited by workers and return these items upon request. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines ranging from 200 to 500 dinars as outlined in Article 12 of the draft law. Additionally, the law includes amendments to Articles 2 and 12 of the Labour Law in the Private Sector (Law No. 36 of 2012), excluding government employees and individuals under civil or military service regulations from its provisions. Family members who are financially dependent on the employer, such as spouses, parents, and children, are also exempt from most of the law’s requirements.
The Cabinet is expected to issue new regulations based on the Minister’s recommendations for domestic workers, including nannies, drivers, guards, cooks, and others in similar roles. These regulations will govern employment relationships for these workers and ensure a framework tailored to their specific roles. The government aims to strike a balance between protecting workers’ rights and addressing the practicalities of employer-employee relationships in domestic settings with the introduction of this draft law.
Parliament’s discussions on the draft law are expected to focus on its application and potential impact on workers and employers. The proposed regulations aim to bring about positive changes in the labor sector, particularly for domestic workers who are often vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment. By setting clear guidelines for both employers and employees, the draft law seeks to promote fair and transparent employment practices in Bahrain. It is a step towards improving working conditions and ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect in line with international labor standards.
The introduction of fines for employers who retain workers’ identification documents without consent sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in Bahrain. Employers are required to issue receipts for any documents deposited by workers and return them upon request, a measure that aims to protect workers from potential abuse and exploitation. The amendments to the labor law in the private sector reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing legislation and ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld in all sectors of the economy.
Overall, the draft law on labor protections for workers, especially domestic staff, represents a significant step towards promoting fair and just employment practices in Bahrain. By updating outdated terminology and introducing clear guidelines for both employers and employees, the government is taking proactive measures to improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights. Through discussions in Parliament, stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback and shape the final legislation to ensure that it effectively addresses the needs of workers and employers in the country.
