Worker Rights
Know your rights as a Sri Lankan worker in Kuwait
As a Sri Lankan worker in Kuwait, you are protected by both Kuwaiti labour law and your employment contract. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting yourself. The Embassy is here to support you if those rights are violated.
Employment Contracts
Every worker in Kuwait is entitled to a written employment contract. This contract is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of your employment.
Your contract must include:
- Your full name and nationality
- Your job title and description
- Your agreed monthly salary in Kuwaiti Dinars
- Working hours and rest days
- Annual leave entitlement
- Duration of the contract
- Accommodation and food allowances (if applicable)
- Termination and notice period conditions
Important Tips:
- Always read and understand your contract before signing
- Keep a signed copy of your contract safe at all times
- Never sign a blank contract
- If your contract is only in Arabic, request a translated copy
- Ensure the contract matches what you were promised during recruitment
- Contact the Embassy if your employer changes your contract terms unilaterally
Salary Rights
Under Kuwaiti Labour Law, you have a legal right to receive your full salary on time every month. Wage theft and salary delays are violations of Kuwaiti law.
- Salaries must be paid on or before the due date stated in your contract
- Your employer cannot deduct wages without your written consent (except as permitted by law)
- Overtime work must be compensated at no less than 1.25x your regular hourly rate
- You are entitled to a salary during your annual leave period
- End-of-service gratuity (indemnity) is payable upon lawful termination or contract completion
- Gratuity is calculated at 15 days' pay per year for the first five years, and one month's pay per year thereafter
If your employer is withholding your salary, contact the Embassy or the Kuwait Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour immediately. Do not wait — delays in reporting make it harder to recover unpaid wages.
Working Hours & Rest
Kuwaiti Labour Law sets clear limits on working hours to protect employees from exploitation and overwork.
Maximum daily working hours
Maximum weekly working hours
Mandatory weekly rest day (typically Friday)
- During Ramadan, Muslim employees work a maximum of 6 hours per day
- Outdoor work is prohibited between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM during summer months (June–September)
- Workers are entitled to a minimum 30-minute rest break during the working day
- Annual leave is a minimum of 30 days per year after completing one year of service
Filing a Labour Complaint
If your employer violates your rights, you have the legal right to file a formal complaint. Here is how to proceed:
Contact the Embassy
Reach out to the Labour Welfare Section of the Embassy for initial guidance and documentation support.
File with Kuwait MLSD
Submit a formal complaint to the Kuwait Ministry of Labour and Social Development (MLSD). They handle labour disputes between employers and employees.
Conciliation & Arbitration
The MLSD will attempt conciliation between you and your employer. If unsuccessful, the case is referred to the Labour Court.
Legal Aid
The Embassy can connect you with legal aid services if you cannot afford private legal representation.
Need Help? Contact the Labour Welfare Section
Our Labour Welfare officers are available to assist you with any employment-related concerns. You do not need to face these challenges alone.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Labour Welfare Section
Tel: +965 2251 2531
Emergency: +965 9999 XXXX
Email: labour@slembassykuwait.com