Bahrain's Safety Record For Domestic Helpers: Is It Secure?

Bahrain is generally a safe destination for women and migrant workers. However, there is always the threat of an uneasy political situation across the Middle East, so it is recommended to stay up to date with news and media while travelling.

Bahrain is a very conservative society where most women are either hidden from view or, when in public, are expected to cover their heads and arms. This is indicative of the standards of dress expected in Bahrain and visitors should refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothes.

Crime is low in most areas, but tourists should take normal precautions to protect their belongings. For personal safety, only use reputable taxi companies.

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Crime and safety: Terrorism is a threat in Bahrain, with attacks targeting foreigners and British nationals. Demonstrations and protests are common and can turn violent. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime such as pickpocketing is common

Crime and safety are important considerations for anyone travelling to Bahrain, including domestic helpers. Here are some key points to be aware of:

Terrorism Threat

Bahrain faces a high threat of terrorist attacks, which can target foreigners and British nationals. Terrorists may attempt to carry out attacks in public places frequented by tourists, such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, and mosques. The threat of terrorism in Bahrain is a significant concern, and travellers are advised to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. The UK Counter Terrorism Policing offers advice on staying safe abroad and how to respond during a terrorist attack.

Demonstrations and Protests

Demonstrations and protests are common in Bahrain and can turn violent. These events can cause traffic disruptions, roadblocks, and clashes between protesters and security forces. It is recommended to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities. The risk of protests can increase around significant events and anniversaries, and they can occur with little warning.

Violent and Petty Crime

While violent crime is rare in Bahrain, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, especially in old market areas (souks), villages, and poorer districts. It is essential to take precautions to protect your belongings and be cautious when visiting these areas, especially after dark.

Overall, while Bahrain faces security challenges, staying informed and following local authorities' instructions can help ensure a safe experience for travellers, including domestic helpers.

Women's rights: Women are generally safe in Bahrain, but it is a conservative society where most women are hidden from view or expected to cover their heads and arms. Women's rights campaigners have tried to change laws, but there are still no laws to protect women against domestic violence

Women's rights in Bahrain are a complex issue. While women are generally safe in Bahrain, the country is conservative, and women are often hidden from view or expected to cover their heads and arms. Women's rights campaigners have been fighting for change, but there is still a long way to go in terms of legal protection for women.

Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern country off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, consisting of Bahrain Island and 30 smaller islands. This coastal location has given Bahrain greater access to ocean travel and a wider range of influences than its neighbours. As a result, Bahrain is more ethnically and religiously diverse and, while still conservative, is more liberal and accepting in its interpretation of Islam.

The openness regarding interpretations of Islam has brought about positive change for women's rights. Bahraini women are the most liberally educated in the Middle East and North Africa region. They have opportunities in education, medicine, nursing, health, financing, clerical jobs, light manufacturing, banking, and veterinary science, among others. Bahrain was the first Gulf state to have education for women in 1928 and the first nation to grant universal female suffrage in 2002.

However, Bahraini law is a complicated combination of royal decrees, civil and criminal codes, and Sharia law (religious Islamic law from the Quran and the Hadith). While the secular part of Bahraini law advances women's rights, the religious part holds them back. For example, there are no laws to protect women from domestic violence, and spousal rape is legal. In Islamic court, a woman's testimony is worth half of a man's.

Despite these challenges, women's rights campaigners have made some progress. In 2002, Bahrain joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a UN treaty that defines and aims to eliminate discrimination against women. In 2005, the Royal University for Women was founded as the first private international university dedicated to educating the country's women. In 2007, Bahraini women made up 72% of the students at Arabian Gulf University and 67% of the University of Bahrain.

In recent years, the Bahraini government has made efforts to elect more women through its Supreme Council of Women, a semi-governmental body run by the king's wife. In 2018, Bahraini citizens elected six women to the lower house of Parliament, doubling their previous number and setting a record.

While women in Bahrain have made gains in education and politics, they still face challenges in the workforce. Women only make up around one-fifth of the working population, as strong traditional values and social pressures encourage them to stay at home and care for their families. Additionally, many subjects in schools are unavailable to female students, limiting their job prospects.

In terms of personal safety, women in Bahrain generally feel safe walking alone, even early in the morning or at night. However, some report experiencing catcalling, stares, and cars following them, which can be uncomfortable and scary. Women are advised to wear modest clothing and carry self-defence tools like pepper spray or a small knife when out alone.

LGBTQ+ safety: Same-sex relations between people over 21 are not criminalised, but sodomy is illegal. Arrests for same-sex activity are rare, but many Bahrainis have conservative views

While Bahrain is considered a liberal country compared to other nations in the region, it is important to note that many Bahrainis hold conservative social views. This is especially true when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex relations. Although same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults over the age of 21 is not criminalised in Bahrain, sodomy is illegal, and there are some reported cases of individuals being punished for engaging in same-sex activity. Arrests for homosexual behaviour are rare, but it is crucial to be aware that conservative views are prevalent in the country.

Individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community in Bahrain face legal challenges and discrimination that non-LGBTQ+ residents do not experience. While there is no explicit criminalisation of same-sex relations, authorities have utilised vague penal code provisions against "indecency" and "immorality" to target sexual and gender minorities. These vague provisions allow for sentences of imprisonment, fines, and deportation. Additionally, there is no legal protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

The Bahraini government does not recognise same-sex marriage, and homosexuality is not widely socially accepted. LGBTQ+ individuals travelling to Bahrain are advised to carefully consider the risks. Public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, can cause offence and are illegal.

Furthermore, Article 355 of Bahrain's Penal Code (1976) enforces penalties of up to two years in prison and fines on individuals who print, import, own, or exhibit publications, pictures, films, or symbols that are deemed to contravene public morals. This can include displaying symbols of LGBTQ+ pride, such as rainbow flags.

It is also important to note that derogatory terminology is commonly used in Arabic publications and laws to refer to homosexuality and homosexual individuals. These terms often intentionally link homosexuality with paedophilia and other paraphilias, contributing to negative perceptions and stigma.

Overall, while same-sex relations between individuals over the age of 21 are not criminalised in Bahrain, the country's conservative social views, vague legal provisions, and lack of legal protections create a challenging and unsafe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol laws: Alcohol is legal in Bahrain, but drunken behaviour in public is against the law and can result in a fine, imprisonment or deportation

Alcohol is legal in Bahrain, but there are strict laws surrounding its consumption. Drunken behaviour in public is against the law and can result in a fine, imprisonment, or deportation. These punishments also apply to drunken behaviour at the airport, even if you are in transit. Drunk driving is also illegal and can lead to imprisonment and a driving ban.

Alcohol is available for purchase by non-Muslims in certain places, including some bars, licensed restaurants, and off-licences. However, drinking in public is illegal, and you may be fined, imprisoned, or deported if caught. To purchase alcohol to take home, you need a foreign passport. There is also a duty-free shop at the airport.

It is important to respect local traditions and customs in Bahrain, and drunken behaviour is considered offensive and disrespectful. The culture and laws in Bahrain are designed to ensure that everyone is respectful of each other, regardless of their faith and nationality. Visitors and residents should avoid behaviour that might be perceived as breaching these norms, as it may lead to prosecution and deportation.

Domestic worker abuse: Domestic workers in Bahrain are often subject to unpaid wages, passport confiscation, substandard housing, food deprivation, excessive work and physical, psychological and sexual abuse

Domestic workers in Bahrain are subject to various forms of abuse and exploitation, despite the country's efforts to address these issues. One of the most common issues is the non-payment of wages, with employers withholding wages from migrant workers for extended periods. This forces workers to take on debt to meet their basic needs, and in some cases, they do not receive any wages for years.

Another issue is the confiscation of passports by employers, which is prohibited under Bahraini law and constitutes human trafficking. However, employers routinely engage in this practice, giving them control over their employees and impeding their ability to leave or return to their home countries. Domestic workers also face excessive work hours, often working 12-19 hour days without breaks or days off, as Bahraini law does not mandate maximum work hours or weekly days off for this sector.

Physical and psychological abuse is prevalent, with some workers reporting being beaten, kicked, and slapped by their employers, supervisors, or recruiting agents. This abuse is often accompanied by verbal and psychological abuse, such as insults and threats of further violence.

Sexual abuse and harassment are also a concern, with some domestic workers reporting unwanted advances, groping, assault, or rape by employers, recruitment agents, or their associates. The true extent of sexual abuse is likely underreported due to stigma, fear of countercharges, and language barriers.

Substandard housing and food deprivation are further issues. Domestic workers, reliant on their employers for food and housing, have reported not receiving regular meals for months at a time.

While Bahrain has anti-trafficking laws and provisions to protect migrant workers, the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain a challenge. The government has been slow to investigate and prosecute labor-related offenses, and some protective measures do not extend to domestic workers.

Frequently asked questions