Manama, August 30, 2026: The Indian Community Relief Forum (ICRF) in Bahrain has successfully concluded its annual 'Thirst-Quenchers 2026' campaign, a heat-safety initiative aimed at outdoor workers. Over the course of 11 weekly sessions, the program reached more than 4,500 workers, providing them with water, juice, laban, fresh fruits, and essential heat-safety education. The final event of the campaign took place at a large worksite in Sitra, where hydration support was provided to over 500 outdoor workers. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Bahrain Ministry of Labour and received support from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the Ministry of Interior, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since its inception in 2016, the ICRF initiative has directly assisted over 26,000 workers. Launched in the third week of June, the campaign focused on educating workers about preventing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Officials from the Ministry of Labour participated in the final session to provide guidance on safe working practices, hydration, and the importance of rest. The initiative specifically targets those in construction, maintenance, and open-site occupations.
Over the course of 11 weekly sessions, the program reached more than 4,500 workers, providing them with water, juice, laban, fresh fruits, and essential heat-safety education. The final event of the campaign took place at a large worksite in Sitra, where hydration support was provided to over 500 outdoor workers. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Bahrain Ministry of Labour and received support from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the Ministry of Interior, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since its inception in 2016, the ICRF initiative has directly assisted over 26,000 workers. Launched in the third week of June, the campaign focused on educating workers about preventing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke. Officials from the Ministry of Labour participated in the final session to provide guidance on safe working practices, hydration, and the importance of rest. The initiative specifically targets those in construction, maintenance, and open-site occupations.
Bahrain’s mandatory midday work ban, established under Decision No. 5 of 2026, prohibits work under direct sunlight in open areas from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The ban, which began on June 15, is set to conclude on Monday, August 31, 2026. While the seasonal restriction ends on September 1,
employers remain legally obligated to ensure workplace safety and occupational health. The Ministry noted that even after the ban ends, risks associated with high temperatures and humidity persist. Under Article 192 of the Bahrain Labour Law, employers violating the midday work ban face penalties including imprisonment of up to three months, fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000, or both, with sanctions increasing for repeat offenses or a higher number of affected workers. Employers are mandated to adjust working hours and provide necessary shade and health monitoring.
Workers forced to labor in direct sunlight during the prohibited hours can report violations to the Ministry of Labour at 17873921 via phone or WhatsApp. Further support for labor-market grievances, such as withheld passports or unpaid wages, is available 24/7 through the LMRA's Expat Protection Centre helpline at 995. General inquiries can be directed to the LMRA call center at 17506055. The ICRF campaign, supported this year by groups including the Bohra community, the ICAI Bahrain Chapter, Science of Spirituality, and student volunteers, emphasizes that workers must remain vigilant for heat stress symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and fainting even after the formal ban concludes.
