Bahrain Prohibits Midday Outdoor Work for Laborers
Bahrain enforces summer midday work ban to protect laborers from extreme heat and ensures workplace safety.
In a decisive move to safeguard the health and safety of the workforce, Bahrain's Ministry of Labour has officially announced the implementation of Decision No. (5) of 2026, reinstating the annual summer midday work ban. The regulation will be strictly enforced from June 15 to August 31, 2026.
Under the new directive, all employers are prohibited from assigning workers to outdoor duties under direct sunlight between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. This four-hour window coincides with the peak intensity of the sun, aiming to shield laborers from severe heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and dehydration.
"The measure forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace safety standards," the Ministry stated, emphasizing that the ban is critical given Bahrain's extreme summer temperatures and high humidity levels. The regulation is also designed to significantly reduce the incidence of occupational accidents during the hottest months of the year.
The Ministry has made it clear that non-compliance will be met with severe consequences. Violators will be prosecuted under Article 192 of Bahrain's Labour Law for the Private Sector (Law No. 36 of 2012).
Penalties for breaching the ban include:
- Fines: Ranging from BD 500 to BD 1,000.
- Imprisonment: Up to three months.
- Aggravated Punishments: Fines and sentences may be doubled for repeat offenses, and penalties can increase based on the number of workers affected by the violation.
To ensure widespread adherence, the Ministry has launched a dedicated hotline for the public to report violations or submit observations. Citizens and workers can contact the Ministry via phone or WhatsApp at 17873921.
The reporting line is operational from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Ministry encourages the community to actively participate in monitoring compliance to ensure a safe working environment for all laborers during the upcoming summer season.