On this page
The Law Sets a Floor, Not a Ceiling
One of the most important principles in Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 is found in Article 6: the law represents the minimum standard of worker rights. This means:
- Your employer cannot give you less than what the law provides
- If your contract, collective agreement, or company policy offers better terms, those better terms apply
- Any clause in a contract that attempts to reduce your legal rights is null and void
This principle protects expat workers from having their rights bargained away.
Equal Pay for Women
Under Article 26, female workers are entitled to the same pay as male workers when performing the same job. This is a clear statutory right under Kuwait law. If you are a female expat worker and believe you are being paid less than a male colleague doing the same role, you have a legal basis to raise a formal complaint.
Working Hours for Young Workers
If you are between 15 and 18 years old, Article 21 sets specific protections:
- Maximum 6 hours of work per day
- No more than 4 consecutive hours without a break of at least one hour
- No overtime work is permitted
- No work on weekly rest days or public holidays
- No work between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM
These protections ensure that young workers are not exploited in demanding environments.
Night Work for Women
Under Article 22, women cannot be required to work at night — defined as the period between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Exceptions exist for hospitals, clinics, and other establishments approved by the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. Even where exceptions apply, employers must:
- Provide security arrangements for female employees
- Arrange safe transportation to and from the workplace
As a female expat, check whether your employer's industry qualifies for an exemption and confirm that transportation and security are provided.
Prohibited Types of Work for Women
Article 23 prohibits employing women in:
- Dangerous, strenuous, or health-hazardous work
- Work that is morally harmful or exploits femininity contrary to public morals
- Establishments that serve men exclusively
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labour issues decisions specifying which jobs and establishments fall into these categories.
Professional Training Pay Rights
Under Article 17, if your employer sends you for vocational training — whether inside or outside the workplace — you are entitled to receive your full salary during the entire training period. Training time is not unpaid leave.
Post-Training Work Obligations
Article 18 sets out an important obligation for workers who complete apprenticeships or sponsored training: you must work for your employer for a period equal to the duration of your training, up to a maximum of five years. If you leave before fulfilling this obligation, your employer may recover the proportional cost of your training. Be aware of this clause if you are enrolled in a company-sponsored skills program.
Prohibited Child Labour
Article 19 strictly prohibits employing any person under the age of 15 years. For workers between 15 and 18, Article 20 requires:
- Ministerial permission before employment
- The work must not be in a dangerous or health-hazardous industry
- A medical examination before starting and every six months thereafter
Practical Tips for Expats
- Request a copy of your pay slip every month and verify it matches your contract amount.
- If you are a woman, confirm in writing that your employer has arranged nighttime transportation if you work evening shifts.
- Check your contract for any training repayment clauses before agreeing to company-sponsored programs.
- If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the General Authority for Manpower in Kuwait.
- Remember that the law's protections apply regardless of your nationality or visa type.
Key Takeaway
Kuwait's labour law provides substantial protections on pay, hours, and working conditions. Knowing these rights empowers expat workers to identify violations and seek appropriate remedies.