Kuwait Labor Rights Desk
Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 in plain language: bank-paid wages under PAM, the KD 75 minimum wage, leave rules, the passport-retention ban and Article 51 indemnity — plus the resignation tiers and how to complain.
The framework at a glance
Pay & protection
- Private-sector minimum wage: KD 75 per month; domestic workers: KD 60, with an 8-hour day and weekly rest.
- Wages must be paid into your bank account on time — PAM's wage protection system tracks every transfer.
- Your employer may not keep your passport; retention is a reportable violation.
- Maximum working time is 48 hours a week with a daily rest break, and overtime pays at 125–150%.
Leave & end of service
- 30 days of paid annual leave after the first year, with paid public holidays on top.
- Paid sick leave scales from 15 days full-pay to half-pay periods per year.
- Indemnity (Article 51): 15 days of basic wage per year for the first 5 years, one month per year after, capped at 18 months for the extra years.
- Resignation tiers: 3–5 years pays half, 5–10 years two-thirds, 10+ years the full indemnity.
If something goes wrong
Complain the right way
For unpaid wages, unpaid overtime or an illegally held passport, file with the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) — its labour inspection department handles expatriate complaints, and WPS bank records make unpaid-salary cases unusually winnable. Keep every payslip, bank statement and contract copy. The Bangladesh Embassy's labour wing in Messila can accompany serious cases and refers disputes to the labour court, where Article 51 indemnity claims are heard.
Changing employers
Sponsorship transfers are processed through PAM and generally require the current employer's release (Form 107) and a new work permit; transfer fees are paid by the receiving employer in most structured transfers. Domestic workers fall under a separate regime administered with the Ministry of Interior, with transfer rights after the first contract dispute process. Before accepting any deal, confirm the permit type and that the salary on the contract matches the PAM registration.
About this desk
This desk summarises the private-sector protections of Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 and the domestic-worker decree in plain bilingual language, so Bangladeshi workers can check a right in seconds — from the KD 75 wage floor to the 18-month indemnity cap. It is general information, not legal advice; fines, exemptions and court practice change over time, and individual contracts may improve on the statutory minimum. For a case worth money, confirm the current rule with PAM or a licensed Kuwaiti lawyer before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is KD 75 really the minimum salary in Kuwait?
Yes — KD 75 per month is the private-sector floor, though most structured jobs pay well above it. Domestic workers have a separate KD 60 floor with an 8-hour day and weekly rest.
What happens to my indemnity if I resign after 7 years?
You keep two-thirds of the full Article 51 amount — 15 days of basic wage per year for the first five years plus one month per year for years six and seven, then scaled by two-thirds.
Can my employer hold my passport?
No — passport retention is prohibited and reportable to PAM. Ask in writing first; if refused, the labour inspection department can order its return.
Where do I file a complaint about unpaid wages?
With PAM — the Public Authority of Manpower handles expatriate labour complaints. WPS bank records make unpaid-wage cases strong; the Bangladesh Embassy labour wing can support you.