Working Hours and Overtime
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 law limits working hours and requires overtime pay for extra work:
- Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
- During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees.
- Overtime pay is at least 125% of the normal hourly rate for extra hours.
- Overtime on rest days or public holidays is paid at 150% of the normal rate plus a replacement day off.
- Workers must get a 1-hour rest break after 5 consecutive hours of work. This break does not count as working time.
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 should you do?
- Track your hours — keep a personal record of when you start and finish work 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 MSAL if your employer does not pay overtime.
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 — this clause would be void under the law.
- Do not skip your rest break — your employer must allow at least 1 hour after 5 hours of work.
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