BD15 monthly transport plan for private-sector workers

TDT | Manama

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Private - sector workers would receive a monthly transport allowance of at least BD15 under a draft amendment to the Labour Law, with employers exempt where transport to and from the workplace is already provided.

The plan mirrors the public sector, where a minimum BD20 allowance is paid.

The proposal, filed by MP Jalal Kadhem, seeks to add a clause to Law No. 36 of 2012 guaranteeing the allowance for private-sector staff except in cases where the employer supplies transport.

Kadhem said the move is aimed at easing travel costs for employees after years of static pay and higher household expenses, citing rising fuel and transport prices.

Article 10 of Law No. 36 of 2012 now requires employers to provide “appropriate means of transport” in work areas named by ministerial decision.

Kadhem’s draft would add an obligation to pay a monthly allowance of no less than BD15, with an exemption for workers already given transport, while keeping the duty to provide transport in designated areas.

He said the amendment is intended to improve living conditions and steady employment for private-sector staff, and to narrow the gap in benefits with public-sector employees.

The lawmaker urged support for the change to match current living and economic conditions.