Working Hours in Kuwait (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements

Researched by Ahmed R. J. Alsaedi, Founder & Head Researcher

Primary sources cited; not legal advice.

Source: Law No. 6 of 2010 (Private Sector Labour Law), Articles 64-69

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

Kuwaiti National Law

What is this right?

Kuwait law caps working hours and mandates overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. premiums, with a distinctive Ramadan reduction:

Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for Muslim employees.
OvertimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. is paid at 125% of the normal hourly rate.
Work on rest days or public holidays earns 150% pay plus a replacement day off.
A 1-hour rest break is mandatory after 5 consecutive hours. This break is unpaid.
The summer outdoor work ban (11 AM to 4 PM, June-August) effectively reduces outdoor workers' productive hours during those months.

When does it apply?

You work in the private sector under a contract governed by the Labour Law.
You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.
You are a Muslim employee working during Ramadan — your hours are automatically reduced.

What to Do If Your Employer Is Violating Kuwait's Working Hours Rules

Track your hours — keep a personal record of when you start and finish each day.
If asked to work overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules., make sure it is documented and approved by your employer.
Check your pay slip to confirm overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. is paid at the correct rate (125% or 150%).
File a complaint with PAM if your employer does not pay overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. or violates the summer outdoor work ban.

What should you NOT do?

Do not work unpaid overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. — you have a legal right to extra pay for extra hours.
Do not agree to waive overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. pay in your contract — such a clause is void under the law.
Do not work outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM during June, July, and August — your employer faces fines if you do.

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 working hours and overtime right in Kuwait?

Kuwait law caps working hours and mandates overtime premiums, with a distinctive Ramadan reduction:Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for Muslim employees.Overtime is paid at 125% of the normal hourly rate.Work on rest days or public holidays earns 150% pay plus a replacement day off.A 1-hour rest break is mandatory after 5 consecutive hours. This break is unpaid.The summer outdoor work ban (11 AM to 4 PM, June-August) effectively reduces outdoor workers' productive hours during those months.

When does it apply — working hours and overtime?

You work in the private sector under a contract governed by the Labour Law.You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.You are a Muslim employee working during Ramadan — your hours are automatically reduced.

What should I do if my employer is making me work excessive hours without overtime pay in Kuwait?

Track your hours — keep a personal record of when you start and finish each day.If asked to work overtime, make sure it is documented and approved by your employer.Check your pay slip to confirm overtime is paid at the correct rate (125% or 150%).File a complaint with PAM if your employer does not pay overtime or violates the summer outdoor work ban.

What should you NOT do — working hours and overtime?

Do not work unpaid overtime — you have a legal right to extra pay for extra hours.Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract — such a clause is void under the law.Do not work outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM during June, July, and August — your employer faces fines if you do.

You Might Also Need to Know

Tax RightsCorporate Tax RegimeKuwait's corporate tax is unusual even by Gulf standards — it applies only to foreign companies, while Kuwaiti and ...Read more →

Consumer RightsWarranty and Return RightsKuwait law gives consumers strong return and warranty rights that override store policies:Sellers must honour any writte...Read more →