Bahrain’s new Labour Law entitles employees to a one-time special leave of three days with salary for their wedding provided they produce a copy of the marriage contract.

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) said in a Press release that Muslim employees are entitled to 21 days' leave to perform Haj once during their service.

Female employees can avail of 60 days maternity leave, starting from the day of childbirth. They should apply for leave within 15 days of the due date, the CSB said.

Special leave will also be granted for three days in case of death of a relative up to the fourth degree, provided the employee furnishes the death certificate stating the degree of relationship with the deceased.

A Muslim female employee whose husband has died will be entitled to four months and 10 days of special leave starting from the date of the husband's death. In case she is pregnant and gives birth during the leave, she will not be eligible for maternity leave, but will be granted the remained days of maternity leave, if it surpassed the period of the other leave, the CSB said.

An employee is entitled to leave to accompany a relative up to the fourth degree for treatment outside the country, on condition that competent medical committees decide the patient has to be treated outside the kingdom. The period for treatment should not exceed a total of 60 days a year.

Special leave is granted to those with contagious diseases for a period assigned by a competent medical body. They will have to produce certificates showing the reasons when they return to work.

Employees are eligible for special leave not exceeding a month per year to attend exams, provided they inform their office when they join for studies, which should be academically recognised by competent authorities in the kingdom.

In case an employee is part of cultural delegations representing the kingdom, he or she is entitled to leave for the period of the participation. They should present an official request from a competent government body including the duration of the event, the place where the event is held and the organising body. It should also be made sure that the employee's participation does not cause any inconvenience to the course of work, the CSB statement said.

Women are entitled to leave for breastfeeding, on returning to work after maternity leave, which has to be two hours daily until the baby reaches the age of two years. The time should be determined so that it doesn't interfere with work, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service