Maternity and Parental Leave 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's maternity leave is among the most generous in the Gulf at 70 paid days, and the nursing hours entitlement is notably long:
- 70 days of paid maternity leave — 30 days before the expected delivery date and 40 days after — at full pay.
- After returning, mothers get 2 hours of nursing time per day for up to 2 years, with full pay.
- It is illegal to terminate a woman during maternity leave or because of pregnancy.
- Female workers can take up to 4 months unpaid leave for childcare (once in their career).
- There is no statutory paternity leave — fathers must negotiate this with their employer.
- Kuwait was the first Gulf state to grant women suffrage (2005) and the right to run for parliament, reflecting broader women's rights progress.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee in the private sector who is pregnant or has recently given birth.
- You need to take maternity leave and want to know your pay and job protections.
- You are a nursing mother who needs daily time to nurse for up to 2 years after birth.
What to Do If Your Employer Denies Maternity Leave Rights in Kuwait
- Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected delivery date with a medical certificate.
- Plan your 30 days pre-delivery and 40 days post-delivery leave schedule.
- If you need more time, apply for unpaid childcare leave in writing.
- If terminated due to pregnancy, file a complaint with PAM immediately.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not delay notifying your employer — provide your medical certificate as soon as possible.
- Do not accept termination during maternity leave — this is illegal and you should file a PAM complaint.
- Do not give up your nursing hours — you are entitled to 2 hours daily for 2 years, one of the longest nursing entitlements in the Gulf.
Common Questions
When does it apply — maternity and parental leave?
You are a female employee in the private sector who is pregnant or has recently given birth.You need to take maternity leave and want to know your pay and job protections.You are a nursing mother who needs daily time to nurse for up to 2 years after birth.
What should I do if my employer is violating my maternity leave rights in Kuwait?
Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected delivery date with a medical certificate.Plan your 30 days pre-delivery and 40 days post-delivery leave schedule.If you need more time, apply for unpaid childcare leave in writing.If terminated due to pregnancy, file a complaint with PAM immediately.
What should you NOT do — maternity and parental leave?
Do not delay notifying your employer — provide your medical certificate as soon as possible.Do not accept termination during maternity leave — this is illegal and you should file a PAM complaint.Do not give up your nursing hours — you are entitled to 2 hours daily for 2 years, one of the longest nursing entitlements in the Gulf.