Kuwait Labour Law Guide: Annual Leave, End-of-Service Indemnity, Overtime and Notice
Under Kuwait's private sector Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, workers get 30 days' annual leave, overtime from 125%, and an end-of-service indemnity capped at 18 months' pay. Key rules explained.
Kuwait| Country | Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Organization | Kuwait (Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, as amended) |
| Official source | MEED – Kuwait's labour law, with the 2017 amendments summarised by the Gulf Labour Markets and Migration programme ✓ meed.com |
Kuwait's private sector is governed by Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, with later amendments. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) enforces it. Here are the key rules for workers.
Working hours
- Up to 48 hours a week, or 8 hours a day.
- During Ramadan: up to 36 hours a week.
- No more than 5 hours in a row without a break.
- At least 24 hours of paid weekly rest.
Overtime
Overtime is limited to 2 hours a day, 3 days a week and 180 hours a year. It is paid on your basic wage:
| When you work | Overtime pay |
|---|---|
| Normal working day | 125% |
| Weekly rest day | 150%, plus a day off in lieu |
| Public holiday | 200%, plus a day off in lieu |
Annual leave
Workers get 30 days of paid annual leave a year. Since a 2017 amendment, weekends, public holidays and sick leave days do not count against it.
Sick leave
| Period | Pay |
|---|---|
| First 15 days | Full pay |
| Next 10 days | Two-thirds |
| Next 10 days | Half |
| Next 10 days | One quarter |
| After that | Unpaid |
A doctor's certificate is needed.
Notice period
For open-ended contracts, notice must be given in writing:
- 3 months for workers paid monthly
- 1 month for other workers
Your employer can ask you to stop working during notice, but must keep paying you.
End-of-service indemnity
For workers paid monthly:
| Service | Indemnity per year |
|---|---|
| First 5 years | 15 days' pay |
| Each year after | One month's pay |
The total is capped at 18 months' pay. Part-years count pro rata. Since 2017, employers cannot deduct their social security contributions, so the indemnity is paid in full.
Example: 8 years' service, contract ended by the employer: 5 years × 15 days' pay, plus 3 years × one month's pay. Ask your employer or PAM how your daily wage is worked out, since this affects the final figure.
Different rates apply to workers paid daily, weekly or by piece.
If you resign
Resigning from an open-ended contract after giving notice reduces the indemnity:
| Service when you resign | Share of indemnity |
|---|---|
| Over 3 and under 5 years | Half |
| Over 5 and under 10 years | Two thirds |
| 10 years or more | Full |
Salary payment
Wages must be paid in Kuwaiti dinars into a bank account in Kuwait. Employers that fail to do so face penalties from the authorities.
Tips
- Keep your contract, payslips and bank statements.
- Report unpaid wages or dues to PAM.
Related: PAM's rules on changing qualifications and professions.
Apply only through the official source.
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