Bahrain has passed a new private sector labour law according to which, a worker dismissed without valid justification has the right to compensation, said a senior government official.

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan said the new private sector labour law is key to regulating the relationship between workers and their employers.

He said the economic and social balance brought about by the new law will boost stability of the labour market and economic growth. “The new law will contribute to employment of national labour force and help solve unemployment,” the minister said.

It also bridges the gap between benefits stipulated in the Labour Law and Civil Service Law; raises paid maternity leave to 60 days; allows women to work day and night shifts; entitles workers to 30 days of annual leave instead of the earlier 21 days; and entitles a worker to half pay if he reports to work but can’t fulfil his duties for reasons beyond the employer’s control. – TradeArabia News Service