Kuwait

In Kuwait, the labor law outlines the guidelines for a typical workweek. According to the Labor Law No. 67 of 2015, the maximum working week is 48 hours, spread across a 6-day workweek. This translates to a maximum of 8 working hours per day.

During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 36 hours per week.

It's important to note that these limitations apply to most blue-collar and white-collar jobs. However, specific jobs might have their own working hour regulations established by ministerial bylaws.

In Kuwait, the labor law outlines the regulations and compensation for overtime work.

The maximum limit for daily overtime is 2 hours [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 66]. On a weekly basis, overtime is capped at 3 days or 6 hours [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 68]. Over the course of a year, the total overtime worked cannot exceed 180 hours or 90 days [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 68].

The pay rates for overtime vary depending on the circumstances. On regular working days, overtime is compensated at 1.25 times the employee's basic hourly rate [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 66]. If an employee works on their designated weekly day off, they earn 1.5 times their basic hourly rate, plus an additional day off in lieu or paid leave [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 67]. For overtime on a public holiday, the compensation is twice the basic hourly rate, along with an additional day off in lieu or paid leave [Kuwait Labor Law, Article 67].

It's also important to note that Kuwaiti law grants employees the right to refuse overtime work [Kuwait Labor Law].

Kuwaiti labor law mandates rest periods and breaks for employees to ensure their well-being and productivity.

Daily Rest Periods

• Frequency: Kuwaiti law requires employers to provide a one-hour rest period for every five consecutive hours of work.
• Duration: The break duration cannot exceed one hour and is not included in the total working hours.
• Purpose: The rest period is designated for rest, prayer, and meals.

Weekly Rest Day

• Frequency: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest every week.
• Important Note: The employer and employee can agree on a different weekly rest day through mutual consent.

In Kuwait, labor laws have specific regulations for night shifts and weekend work, taking into account the potential impact on workers' health and well-being.

Night work is defined as any work performed between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM. If a workday overlaps night hours by at least 30 minutes, it's considered night work. There are restrictions on who can be assigned night shifts. Generally, women are prohibited from working night shifts, with exceptions for specific sectors like healthcare. Age limitations for night work may apply depending on the specific industry and job role. Employees working night shifts are entitled to a night work allowance equivalent to 10% of their basic wage in addition to their regular pay.

Kuwaiti law mandates a minimum 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest, typically on Friday. However, employers and employees can agree on a different rest day through mutual consent. Working on your designated weekly rest day qualifies as overtime and is compensated at a higher rate along with an additional day off in lieu or paid leave.