Maternity leave is a statutory employment right designed to protect the health, income, and job security of working women. In Bahrain, maternity leave provisions are clearly defined under labour regulations to support female employees during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childcare.

This guide explains maternity leave in Bahrain, including paid leave duration, unpaid childcare leave, breastfeeding breaks, eligibility criteria, employer responsibilities, and HR best practices, updated for 2026 compliance.

What Is Maternity Leave in Bahrain?

Maternity leave in Bahrain refers to the legally mandated leave granted to female employees during and after childbirth. It ensures women can take time off work without losing salary, benefits, or employment status, while employers remain compliant with Bahrain labour law.

These provisions apply primarily to private sector employees, subject to eligibility and documentation requirements.

Paid Maternity Leave Entitlement in Bahrain

A female employee working in Bahrain is entitled to 60 days of fully paid maternity leave, provided she submits a valid medical certificate confirming the expected date of delivery.

Key points:

  • Leave may be taken before and/or after childbirth

  • Salary is paid in full

  • Employment benefits and service continuity remain unaffected

  • Medical certificates must be attested by a government health center or an employer-approved clinic

This paid leave applies regardless of whether childbirth occurs before or after the expected date mentioned in the certificate.

Unpaid Childcare Leave After Maternity Leave

In addition to paid maternity leave, Bahrain labour law allows female employees to apply for unpaid childcare leave.

Unpaid childcare leave rules:

  • Up to 6 months of unpaid leave

  • Can be availed up to three times during employment

  • Applicable for childcare of a child below six years of age

  • Job position and employment continuity remain protected

This provision enables working mothers to manage childcare needs without resigning or losing employment status.

Breastfeeding & Childcare Breaks After Returning to Work

After maternity leave, female employees in Bahrain are entitled to paid childcare and breastfeeding breaks, counted as part of working hours.

Entitlements include:

  • Two one-hour breastfeeding sessions per day until the child reaches six months

  • Two 30-minute childcare breaks per day until the child reaches one year

Employees may combine these breaks based on mutual agreement. These breaks do not affect salary, attendance, or payroll calculations.

Employer Responsibilities Under Bahrain Labour Law

Employers in Bahrain must:

  • Accept valid medical documentation

  • Grant maternity and childcare leave as mandated

  • Ensure breastfeeding breaks are accommodated

  • Balance operational needs with employee welfare

The employer determines the schedule of childcare breaks, considering both business requirements and employee needs, while remaining legally compliant.

FAQs

1. How many days of maternity leave are allowed in Bahrain?

Female employees are entitled to 60 days of fully paid maternity leave.

2. Is maternity leave paid in Bahrain?

Yes. Maternity leave in Bahrain is fully paid, subject to valid medical certification.

3. Can maternity leave be taken before delivery?

Yes. Maternity leave may be taken before and after childbirth.

4. Are breastfeeding breaks paid in Bahrain?

Yes. Breastfeeding and childcare breaks are counted as paid working hours.

5. Can unpaid leave be taken after maternity leave?

Yes. Female employees may take up to six months of unpaid childcare leave, up to three times during employment.