Immigrant Protections & Worker Safeguards in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait provides legal protections for foreign workers, though enforcement has historically been uneven. Key protections include:
- Labour Law protections: The Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 guarantees maximum 48-hour work week, 1 hour rest break per day, 30 days annual leave, paid sick leave (15 days full pay, 10 days 75%, 10 days 50%, 10 days unpaid), and overtime pay (125% of regular rate for normal overtime, 150% for weekends and holidays).
- End-of-service indemnity: Workers completing 1+ year receive 15 days' pay per year for the first 5 years and 1 month per year after that. Capped at 18 months' total salary.
- DHAMAN health insurance: Kuwait has introduced DHAMAN (Health Assurance Hospitals Company) — a mandatory health insurance system for expatriates. Coverage includes hospitalisation, outpatient care, emergency treatment, and maternity.
- Heat work ban: Outdoor work is prohibited from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM from June 1 to August 31. Employers violating this face fines.
- Domestic worker law: Law No. 68 of 2015 provides specific protections for domestic workers: 12-hour maximum work day, 1 day off per week, 30 days annual leave, and end-of-service benefits. This was one of the first specific domestic worker laws in the Gulf.
- Passport retention: While technically restricted, passport confiscation by employers remains widespread in practice. Report confiscation to PAM or your embassy.
- Labour disputes: PAM provides complaint mechanisms for workers. Cases can be escalated to Labour Courts, where workers are exempt from court fees.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign worker in Kuwait — private sector or domestic worker.
- Your employer has failed to pay wages, withheld your passport, or denied healthcare.
- You want to understand your workplace rights under Kuwait law.
What to Do If Your Employer in Kuwait Is Violating Your Worker Protections
- Report unpaid wages to PAM (manpower.gov.kw) or visit a PAM service centre.
- Report passport confiscation to PAM or your embassy immediately.
- Register for DHAMAN if not already enrolled — your employer should arrange this.
- File labour disputes at PAM — mediation is provided before cases go to court.
- Know emergency numbers: 112 (Police/Emergency), PAM complaints department, and your embassy.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work without a valid work permit — illegal employment risks fines and deportation for both you and the employer.
- Do not waive your end-of-service rights — these are legal entitlements under the Labour Law.
- Do not work during the heat ban if your employer demands it — report violations to PAM.
Common Questions
When does it apply — immigrant protections & worker safeguards?
You are a foreign worker in Kuwait — private sector or domestic worker.Your employer has failed to pay wages, withheld your passport, or denied healthcare.You want to understand your workplace rights under Kuwait law.
What should I do if my employer in Kuwait is ignoring my legal rights as a foreign worker?
Report unpaid wages to PAM (manpower.gov.kw) or visit a PAM service centre.Report passport confiscation to PAM or your embassy immediately.Register for DHAMAN if not already enrolled — your employer should arrange this.File labour disputes at PAM — mediation is provided before cases go to court.Know emergency numbers: 112 (Police/Emergency), PAM complaints department, and your embassy.
What should you NOT do — immigrant protections & worker safeguards?
Do not work without a valid work permit — illegal employment risks fines and deportation for both you and the employer.Do not waive your end-of-service rights — these are legal entitlements under the Labour Law.Do not work during the heat ban if your employer demands it — report violations to PAM.
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