Key Bill on Domestic Workers’ Passport Seizures Stalled in Bahrain

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Manama: A proposed law in Bahrain that would fine employers for holding domestic workers’ passports has been delayed for further review.

Parliament decided to send the draft law back to the Services Committee after the government requested more time to study its provisions. The bill includes changes to Bahrain’s Private Sector Labour Law, such as replacing the term “house servants” with “domestic workers.”

“Further study is needed to ensure consistency with existing laws and procedures,” said Ahmed Qarata, Parliament’s Second Deputy Speaker, explaining the decision to delay the vote.

One of the key proposals is to impose fines between BD200 and BD500 on employers who keep a worker’s passport or identity documents without their consent. It also allows the Cabinet to set rules governing the relationship between employers and domestic workers.

Authorities say the changes are aimed at improving legal protection for domestic workers and making it easier to resolve disputes. Under the proposal, employers would also have to provide receipts for any documents or belongings given to them and return them when requested.

The bill would also expand the definition of domestic workers to include roles such as drivers, gardeners, nannies, cooks, and security guards.

However, the Services Committee has recommended rejecting the bill, arguing that current labour laws already provide sufficient protection. It noted that existing regulations cover contracts, wages, leave, and dispute resolution.

The committee also referred to a 2012 court ruling that passports are personal property and cannot be withheld in a way that restricts movement unless allowed by law.

Meanwhile, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for more discussion, stating that current systems already address passport-related disputes.