Workers’ Legal Right to Daily and Weekly Rest Periods in Heavy-Duty Jobs in Bahrain
In Bahrain’s construction, contracting, oil & gas, maritime, and other high-risk industries, the work can be physically demanding and mentally exhausting.
To protect workers’ health and safety, Bahraini labour law grants specific rights to daily and weekly rest periods. These breaks are not a privilege — they are a legal requirement that employers must follow.
This blog explains what rest periods workers are entitled to, why they matter, and how to protect these rights.
Read more about our Labour Law expertise in Bahrain.
Daily Rest Periods
Under Bahraini law:
- Workers cannot be required to work more than six consecutive hours without a break.
- Rest breaks must be long enough to allow workers to eat, hydrate, and recover.
- In high-temperature outdoor jobs (such as construction during summer), mandatory midday breaks apply to prevent heat stress.
Weekly Rest Periods
- Workers are entitled to at least one full day off per week, typically Friday, unless otherwise agreed in the contract.
- If a worker must work on their rest day, they are entitled to compensatory rest or additional pay as per the law.
Why Rest Periods Are Legally Protected
Rest breaks are legally mandated to:
- Prevent accidents caused by fatigue.
- Protect workers from long-term health problems.
- Ensure productivity and focus remain high during working hours.
- Reduce heat-related illnesses in outdoor and high-risk jobs.
Legal Protections for Workers
- Employers cannot remove or shorten legally required rest periods without approval from the Ministry of Labour.
- If workers are denied their rest rights, they can file a complaint with the Ministry.
- Violating rest period regulations can result in fines, penalties, and orders to change work schedules.
Labour Lawyers in Bahrain handling employment disputes.
Example:
A team of construction workers was required to work 9 continuous hours without a break to meet a project deadline. Several workers experienced dizziness and fatigue. After filing a complaint, the Ministry of Labour ordered the employer to adjust shifts to include proper rest periods and imposed a fine for violating labour regulations.
Best Practices for Workers
- Know your legal entitlement to rest periods.
- Take your breaks fully and use them for recovery.
- Report repeated violations to your supervisor or the Ministry of Labour.
- Keep a personal record of working hours and break times if disputes arise.
In our previous blog on The Legal Process to Claim Overtime Pay in Bahrain
