Kuwait enacted a dedicated Domestic Workers Law (Law No. 68 of 2015) — one of the first in the GCC — granting housemaids, cooks, drivers, nurses, and other domestic employees specific legal protections. This guide explains every right workers have and every obligation employers must meet in 2026.
⚡ Key Rights at a Glance
| ⚖️ Legal Basis | Kuwait Law No. 68 of 2015 — Domestic Workers Law |
| 💰 Salary | Paid on time monthly — in Kuwaiti Dinar |
| ⏰ Max Working Hours | 12 hours/day (with rest breaks) |
| 🗓️ Weekly Rest | 1 full day per week |
| 🏖️ Annual Leave | 30 days per year |
| 🏥 Medical Care | Employer's full responsibility |
| 📞 PAM Complaints | 1884880 |
💰 Salary Rights
- ✅ Salary paid monthly on agreed date in KWD
- ✅ Cannot be reduced without worker's written consent
- ✅ Minimum salary levels set per bilateral agreement by nationality
- ✅ Filipino workers: minimum set by POEA/Philippines government
- ✅ Employer cannot deduct salary for perceived faults without legal basis
⏰ Working Hours & Rest Rights (Law No. 68/2015)
| Entitlement | Legal Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum daily hours | 12 hours (including 1 hour rest) |
| Weekly rest day | 1 full day per week |
| Annual leave | 30 days paid after 1 year |
| Sick leave | 30 days paid per year |
| Paid holidays | National Day (Feb 25), Liberation Day (Feb 26), Eid holidays |
🏠 Accommodation & Living Rights
- ✅ Suitable, private accommodation — employer's obligation
- ✅ Food or food allowance must be provided
- ✅ Access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy
- ✅ Passport must not be confiscated — illegal under Kuwait law
- ✅ Freedom of movement on rest days
🚫 Passport confiscation is ILLEGAL in Kuwait. Under Law No.68/2015, an employer who confiscates a domestic worker's passport commits a legal offence. Workers should contact PAM at 1884880 or their embassy immediately.
🏥 Medical Care Rights
- ✅ Health insurance — employer's mandatory obligation
- ✅ All medical treatment costs — employer's responsibility
- ✅ Work-related injuries — full employer liability
- ✅ 30 days paid sick leave per year
✈️ End of Contract Rights
- ✅ Return air ticket to home country (employer pays)
- ✅ End of service gratuity — 1 month salary per year after 1 year
- ✅ All outstanding wages settled
- ✅ Unused annual leave paid in cash
📢 How to File a Complaint in Kuwait
Call 1884880 — PAM's worker and employer helpline. Sunday–Thursday 8:30 AM–1:00 PM.
Visit any PAM office (Andalusia HQ or governorate offices) with your passport, Civil ID, and evidence.
Submit a complaint online at e-portal.manpower.gov.kw.
All major embassies in Kuwait City have dedicated worker welfare departments — Philippine, Indian, Sri Lankan, Ethiopian, Indonesian embassies all assist their nationals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic worker resign in Kuwait?
Yes — domestic workers can resign with appropriate notice. If the employer has violated the contract (abuse, non-payment), the worker can terminate immediately and PAM provides protection during the process.
What if my employer doesn't pay my salary in Kuwait?
File an urgent complaint with PAM at {PHONE}. PAM's labor relations department handles unpaid salary cases and can take enforcement action including employer fines.
Is domestic worker abuse a crime in Kuwait?
Yes — physical, verbal, or psychological abuse of domestic workers is a criminal offence in Kuwait under Law No.68/2015. Contact the police (112) for emergencies or PAM for labor violations.
How many rest hours per day is a domestic worker entitled to?
Law No.68/2015 provides for at least 9 consecutive hours of rest per day (8 hours sleep + 1 hour rest break during the day), within the 12-hour working day framework.
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📌 Source: Kuwait Law No.68 of 2015 — Domestic Workers Law — Updated 2026. Always verify at manpower.gov.kw