Minimum Wage
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?
Kuwait sets a minimum wage of KWD 75 per month for Kuwaiti citizens working in the private sector under Law No. 6 of 2023. There is no statutory minimum wage for expatriate workers — their pay is set by the employment contract.
- Kuwaiti employees: Must receive at least KWD 75/month in the private sector.
- Expatriate employees: No legal minimum — wages depend on the contract and market conditions.
- Government sector: Kuwaiti civil servants have separate pay scales set by the Civil Service Commission.
- Wages must be paid in Kuwaiti Dinars and deposited into the worker's bank account.
When does it apply?
- You are a Kuwaiti national employed in the private sector — the KWD 75 minimum applies.
- You are an expatriate worker — your wage is whatever your contract states; there is no legal floor.
- You work full-time or part-time under an employment contract in Kuwait.
What should you do?
- Check your employment contract for the agreed salary before starting work.
- Make sure your salary is deposited into your bank account — cash-only payments are not permitted under the wage protection system.
- If your employer pays less than agreed, file a complaint with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MSAL).
- Keep copies of pay slips and bank statements as proof of payment.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept an informal verbal agreement on wages — always get it in writing in your contract.
- Do not sign a blank contract or one written in a language you cannot read.
- Do not let your employer hold your wages for more than 10 days past the due date without filing a complaint.
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