Domestic Worker Rights in Kuwait (2026 Guide) — Law 68/2015
About this article
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's Domestic Workers Law No. 68 of 2015 — the first dedicated domestic-worker statute in the Gulf — sets a KD 60/month minimum wage, guarantees one rest day per week, provides 30 days' paid annual leave after one year of service, and caps the working day at 12 hours. Employers who withhold wages face a KD 10/month flat late-payment penalty. Passport confiscation is a criminal offence under the Penal Code. End-of-service gratuity for domestic workers is 1 full month's salary per year of service — often more favourable than the tiered Article 51 formula for private-sector workers.
When does it apply?
- Your sponsor has taken your passport or ID — this is illegal under Kuwaiti law.
- You are not receiving your wages or are being paid less than the KD 60/month minimum.
- You are not being given rest days or are working more than 12 hours a day.
- You are experiencing physical abuse, confinement, or labour trafficking.
How to Protect Your Rights as a Domestic Worker in Kuwait
- If you are in physical danger, leave and go to your embassy or a shelter immediately. Your safety comes first.
- Document what you can safely: save records of communications, photograph injuries if possible, and note dates and details of incidents.
- File a complaint with the Domestic Workers Department — you can claim unpaid wages, the KD 10/month late-payment penalty, and return of your passport.
- Contact your embassy: most sending-country embassies have crisis support teams for domestic workers in Kuwait.
Generate a formal legal letter to support your complaint using our Legal Letter Generator.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not sign any "final settlement" if the employer still owes you wages or is holding your passport — get independent advice first.
- Keep your phone secure. Your phone is your means of contact with the embassy, helplines, and support organisations.
- Do not delay seeking help. Time limits on labour claims mean early action preserves your options.
About Workers' Rights in Kuwait
Your job in Kuwait is governed by Law No. 6 of 2010 (Private Sector Labour Law), with work permits managed by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Standard hours are 8 a day, 48 a week (6 during Ramadan), with a summer outdoor work ban 11am-4pm from June to August. End-of-service indemnity runs 15 days' pay per year for the first 5 years then one month per year, capped at 18 months. Kafala still applies — you need an NOC to switch employers, though PAM can override in abuse cases. Domestic workers are covered by Law No. 68 of 2015.
Common Questions
What is the domestic worker rights right in Kuwait?
Kuwait's Domestic Workers Law No. 68 of 2015 — the first dedicated domestic-worker statute in the Gulf — sets a KD 60/month minimum wage, guarantees one rest day per week, provides 30 days' paid annual leave after one year of service, and caps the working day at 12 hours. Employers who withhold wages face a KD 10/month flat late-payment penalty. Passport confiscation is a criminal offence under the Penal Code. End-of-service gratuity for domestic workers is 1 full month's salary per year of service — often more favourable than the tiered Article 51 formula for private-sector workers.
When does it apply — domestic worker rights?
Your sponsor has taken your passport or ID — this is illegal under Kuwaiti law.You are not receiving your wages or are being paid less than the KD 60/month minimum.You are not being given rest days or are working more than 12 hours a day.You are experiencing physical abuse, confinement, or labour trafficking.
My employer is withholding my passport and wages — what are my rights and how do I get help?
If you are in physical danger, leave and go to your embassy or a shelter immediately. Your safety comes first.Document what you can safely: save records of communications, photograph injuries if possible, and note dates and details of incidents.File a complaint with the Domestic Workers Department — you can claim unpaid wages, the KD 10/month late-payment penalty, and return of your passport.Contact your embassy: most sending-country embassies have crisis support teams for domestic workers in Kuwait.Generate a formal legal letter to support your complaint using our Legal Letter Generator.
What should you NOT do — domestic worker rights?
Do not sign any "final settlement" if the employer still owes you wages or is holding your passport — get independent advice first.Keep your phone secure. Your phone is your means of contact with the embassy, helplines, and support organisations.Do not delay seeking help. Time limits on labour claims mean early action preserves your options.