Working Hours and Overtime 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 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?
- 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 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?
- 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.
Common Questions
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.
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