Kuwait not to tolerate salary delays, says workers’ wages a ‘red line’
The Public Authority for Manpower disclosed that the Labor Affairs Sector is intensifying oversight of private sector employers, with monthly reviews of salary payments and bank deposits for expatriate workers.
The move comes despite ongoing regional tensions, with officials emphasizing that current geopolitical developments have not hindered the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights. Authorities continue to take firm legal action against companies that fail to pay wages on time or delay salary transfers beyond agreed dates.
According to the sources, directives from Fahd Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside close supervision by Rabab Al-Osaimi, underline that workers’ salaries are a “red line.” Any irregularity or delay in payment could expose employers to strict penalties, as part of broader efforts to uphold human rights standards and strengthen Kuwait’s international reputation.
The Authority has warned that it will not hesitate to suspend the files of non-compliant companies and employers who fail to regularly deposit salaries into workers’ local bank accounts. Officials stressed that protecting workers’ legal rights remains a top priority, reports Al-Jarida daily.
This enforcement aligns with Article 57 of Law No. 6 of 2010 governing private sector employment, which requires employers with five or more workers to transfer wages directly into accounts with local financial institutions and submit payment records to the Authority.
Sources clarified that file suspension is a precautionary measure designed to compel compliance and alert business owners to their legal obligations. Monitoring efforts will continue to ensure adherence to wage payment regulations.
Once companies meet the required conditions and resume proper salary disbursement, suspensions will be automatically lifted without the need for further administrative review.
The Authority reiterated that strict enforcement will remain in place to ensure timely wage payments and protect the rights of workers across Kuwait’s private sector.
