Kuwait Labour Law clarifies annual leave rights
- Workers entitled to 30 days paid vacation after six months of service
- Employers can set leave dates, but must pay salaries before vacation begins
The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has issued a reminder explaining workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities regarding annual leave under Kuwait’s Labour Law, as many employees prepare to travel to their home countries for their yearly vacations.
According to the awareness notice, every eligible worker is entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. However, employees cannot take their annual leave during their first year of employment until they have completed at least six months of continuous service with the same employer.
The authority clarified that the law does not mean workers automatically receive their first-year vacation immediately after joining a company. Instead, they must complete the required six-month period before becoming eligible to take annual leave.
Employer has the right to schedule vacation dates
The Public Authority for Manpower explained that employers have the legal right to organize annual leave schedules based on the needs and requirements of the business.
This means workers may request specific vacation periods, but the final scheduling can depend on the employer’s operational requirements. Companies are allowed to arrange leave dates to ensure that work continues smoothly and that business activities are not disrupted.
However, if an employer and employee agree, annual leave may be divided into separate periods according to the provisions of the law.
Annual Leave Salary Must Be Paid Before Vacation Starts
The authority also highlighted an important protection for employees: employers must pay the worker’s annual leave wages before the vacation begins.
This ensures that employees receive their entitled payment in advance and can use their leave period without financial difficulty.
Key Points Workers Should Know
- Workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave under Kuwait Labour Law.
- During the first year of employment, annual leave cannot be taken until six months of service have been completed.
- Employers have the right to organize vacation schedules according to business needs.
- Annual leave can be divided into parts if the worker agrees.
- Employers must pay annual leave wages before the employee starts vacation.
The Public Authority for Manpower said the awareness campaign aims to increase understanding of labour rights and responsibilities among both employees and employers, ensuring that annual leave is managed according to Kuwait’s legal requirements.
