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Overview of Working Hour Rules in Kuwait
Kuwait's Law No. 6 of 2010 sets important standards around how many hours employees can work, when they must rest, and what leave they are entitled to. These rules apply to all private sector workers — including expats — and your employer cannot legally require you to waive these rights.
Remember: the law sets minimum standards. If your contract or company policy offers more generous terms, those better terms apply to you.
Standard Daily and Weekly Hours
While the law provides the general framework, ministerial decisions supplement the specific hour limits for adult workers. Here is what you need to know:
- The standard working week in Kuwait for private sector workers is generally 48 hours per week across six days.
- During Ramadan, working hours for Muslim employees are reduced by law — typically to 36 hours per week.
- Overtime work is permitted under specific conditions and must be compensated at a higher rate.
Overtime Pay
If you work beyond your contracted hours:
- Daytime overtime is typically compensated at a premium rate above your base hourly wage.
- Night-time overtime and overtime on rest days or public holidays attracts a higher premium.
- You cannot be forced to work excessive overtime, and your employer must compensate you appropriately.
Special Rules for Young Workers (Aged 15–18)
If you are aware of, or responsible for, young workers in a private sector workplace, the law is stricter:
- Maximum 6 hours per day of work.
- They cannot work more than 4 consecutive hours without a break of at least one hour.
- Young workers cannot work overtime.
- They cannot work on weekly rest days or public holidays.
- They cannot work between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
These protections exist regardless of what any contract says.
Night Work Restrictions for Women
The law places specific restrictions on female employees working at night:
- Women cannot be required to work between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
- Exceptions include hospitals, clinics, sanatoriums, and other establishments listed in a ministerial decision.
- Even in excepted workplaces, employers must provide adequate security measures and transportation for women working night shifts.
If you are a female expat and your employer is requiring night work outside these exceptions without providing proper security and transport, this is a violation of the law.
Maternity Leave Rights
Pregnant working women in Kuwait are entitled to strong protections:
- 70 days of fully paid maternity leave, provided the birth occurs during that period.
- This maternity leave is not deducted from any other leave entitlement (annual leave, sick leave, etc.).
- After maternity leave ends, you can request up to 4 months of unpaid leave for childcare — your employer may grant this at their discretion.
- Your employer cannot terminate your employment while you are on maternity leave or pregnancy-related sick leave.
Practical tip: Notify your employer in writing as soon as you know your expected due date, and formally request your maternity leave in writing to create a clear record.
Breastfeeding Rights
Female employees who are breastfeeding are entitled to:
- Two hours per working day for breastfeeding, allocated according to conditions set by the Ministry.
- This right is granted in addition to normal rest breaks.
Furthermore, if you work at an establishment with:
- More than 50 female workers, OR
- More than 200 workers in total
...your employer is legally required to provide a childcare nursery for children under 4 years old at or near the workplace.
Annual Leave
Kuwait law provides annual leave entitlements that increase with length of service. While specific details are supplemented by ministerial regulations, the law ensures:
- Workers are entitled to paid annual leave that cannot be less than the statutory minimum.
- Leave entitlements often increase with seniority — longer-serving employees receive more leave.
- Your employer cannot force you to forfeit accrued leave without compensation.
Always check your specific contract, as many employers — especially multinational companies — offer leave entitlements above the legal minimum.
Public Holidays
Workers in Kuwait's private sector are entitled to paid time off on official public holidays. If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to additional compensation under the law.
Practical Tips for Expats
- Track your working hours — keep personal records of when you start and finish work, including overtime.
- If you believe you are being overworked or underpaid for overtime, document everything and approach the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).
- Review your employment contract to check if it offers better leave or overtime terms than the legal minimum.
- If you are a woman experiencing issues related to night work, maternity leave, or breastfeeding rights, you have a clear legal basis to raise a complaint.
- Ensure your employer is complying with nursery requirements if your workplace has significant numbers of employees.
Where to File a Complaint
If your employer violates your working hours or leave rights, contact the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait. They handle labour complaints in the private sector and can mediate disputes or refer cases to the labour courts.