Saudi Gazette report

MANAMA — The notice period for terminating an employment contract in the private sector should be extended to four months instead of 30 days, according to a proposal approved by Bahrain’s Shura Council, the main legislative body of the country.

The Bahraini government will now have to draw it up into a proper law within a maximum of six months, Gulf Daily News, the leading Bahraini daily reported on Monday.

According to the report, 24 members of the council voted in favor of the amendments to Bahrain’s private sector employment law, while eight rejected it.

Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh tried to postpone the issue for further review but a majority voted against the move, the report said.

The government will now have to draw it up into a proper law within a maximum of six months.

Commenting on the proposed amendments during the council’s session on Sunday, Bahrain’s Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain said the move would unfairly rob people of better job opportunities.

“It should be easy for employees to take up a job with a better working environment and better pay; the current 30-day notice period ensures that,” the report added.

The proposed amendments seek to ensure work is not disrupted, especially in educational, medical, and engineering fields.