Annual Leave and Public Holidays
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
All private-sector workers in Kuwait are entitled to paid annual leave and official public holidays:
- 30 working days of paid annual leave after completing 1 year of service.
- Workers who have completed 9 months but less than 1 year get proportional leave.
- Leave cannot be carried over for more than 2 years unless the employer agrees.
- Kuwait observes approximately 13 official public holidays per year (National Day, Liberation Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, Isra and Mi'raj).
- If you work on a public holiday, you get 150% pay plus a day off.
When does it apply?
- You are employed in the private sector in Kuwait with at least 9 months of service.
- You want to take your annual leave or are required to work on a public holiday.
What should you do?
- Submit your leave request to your employer in writing.
- Plan your leave in advance — your employer can schedule when you take it, but cannot deny the full 30 days.
- If you leave your job with unused leave days, you are entitled to cash compensation for them.
- Keep track of your leave balance — your employer must maintain records.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not let your leave accumulate beyond 2 years without an agreement — you could lose it.
- Do not accept being forced to work during leave without overtime compensation.
- Do not resign during your leave period if you want to receive full leave pay — clarify timing with your employer.
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