Kuwait's Labour Law strictly prohibits the employment of any person under the age of 15 (Article 19). This applies across all private sector workplaces with no exceptions, so hiring a child below this age is unlawful regardless of the type of work involved.
For young people aged 15 to under 18, employment is permitted but only with prior ministerial approval and subject to specific conditions under Article 20. These include a ban on employing them in hazardous or health-damaging industries (as defined by the Minister), a requirement to provide a medical fitness certificate confirming the work is suitable for their health, and restrictions on working hours and night shifts.
If you are an employer or HR manager, it is essential to maintain proper age documentation for all young workers and ensure you have obtained the necessary permits before they start. Parents or guardians of young workers should also be aware that the law provides these protections specifically to safeguard minors in the workplace. Any breach of these age-related provisions can result in regulatory penalties from the Public Authority for Manpower.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.