Wage payment violation in private sector a serious offense in Kuwait

• Kuwait’s national labor force totals 500,000 individuals, with 64% being female and 36% male in the government sector.

Dr. Fahad Al-Murad, the Deputy Director of the General Authority for Manpower Protection Sector Affairs, confirmed that the failure of business owners and companies in the private sector to pay the wages of registered laborers and transfer them to financial institutions monthly constitutes a serious violation. This violation will result in the suspension of the employer’s file and enable workers to transfer to another employer.

Al-Murad stated, during the authority’s celebration of International Labour Day on Wednesday, that ‘the authority is keen on ensuring compliance with Article 57 of Law 6/2010 regarding work in the private sector, wages, and entitlements, particularly in the timely payment of labor wages.’

On Wednesday, the authority, in collaboration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the General Union of Kuwait Workers, celebrated International Labour Day, observed annually on the first of May, by setting up a special ‘Booth’ at the Avenues complex.

Dr. Fahad Al-Murad emphasized the authority’s commitment to monitoring business owners and private companies in the private sector regarding the timely payment of wages to registered laborers. This involves transferring payments to local financial institutions monthly, as outlined in Article 57 of Law 6/2010 governing work in the private sector, wages, and labor benefits.

He stressed that failure to comply with this regulation constitutes a serious violation, leading to the suspension of the employer’s file and providing laborers with the option to switch to another employer.

He mentioned that ongoing coordination between the authority and employers facilitates the submission of documents verifying monthly wage transfers for their workers, aiming to achieve mutual benefit.

He revealed that the authority is enhancing inspection mechanisms in the expatriate workers sector to align with new labor recruitment policies, supporting the country’s commercial expansion.

Additionally, he explained the increased utilization of automated systems for labor dispute resolution, benefiting both workers and employers.

Al-Murad emphasized that the authority is committed to ensuring that business owners transfer wages to the workers registered in their labor files. The authority is working through the Public Relations Department to publish awareness campaigns on this matter, aiming to preserve everyone’s rights.

Labour rights

Regarding effectiveness, Al-Murad stated, “The authority annually participates in International Labour Day, believing in its significance and in adherence to the Labor Law, its decisions, and regulations governing contractual relationships.” He emphasized the authority’s commitment to monitoring compliance with employment contract terms established by law and organized resolutions to safeguard the rights of all involved.

Al-Murad added, “The authority is working to spread legal awareness in case of a problem or labor dispute and the methods and mechanisms to resolve it following the organized procedures to ensure the stability of the labor market.” He stressed Kuwait’s commitment to achieving justice between the two parties in production.

Aseel AlMazyad, the Director of the Public Relations and Media Department of the Authority and the Chairman of the Standing Committee between the authority and civil society institutions, expressed greater enthusiasm for participating in this celebration in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Union. This participation includes a two-day event aimed at reviewing the services provided by each entity to workers and business owners, fostering direct interaction with the public.

AlMazyad added, “The authority is entrusted with the application of the law and regulation of the contractual relationship, so it is keen on spreading awareness in multiple languages to ensure that every worker is aware of their rights and duties. This includes introducing the procedures that are supposed to be followed and addressing all inquiries related to the labor market.”

AlMazyad highlighted an ongoing comprehensive awareness campaign that the Public Relations Department is working on launching during the current month and the upcoming months. This campaign will be conducted through the authority’s social networking sites and will emphasize the necessity of adhering to the decision to prohibit work at noon throughout the designated period.

Yahya Al-Dosari, the head of the Workers’ Union in the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Financial Secretary of the General Labour Union, stated, “The Union’s active participation in the celebration reflects its pivotal role in safeguarding workers in Kuwait.” He reiterated the Union’s ongoing demand to officially recognize International Labour Day as a public holiday, aligning with the practice in most countries worldwide.

Hussein Al-Turkit, the head of the department at the Department of Industry and Labour at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the Chamber’s involvement in the celebration as one of the three key stakeholders in production. He noted that this participation aims to inspire more dedication and convey to workers and business owners a message of support, saying, “We stand behind you to foster greater productivity.”

Al-Turkit highlighted the full and ongoing cooperation between the Commission and the Chamber in implementing all decisions that benefit the labor market. He commended the commission’s prompt response to every proposal or observation submitted by the Chamber, particularly during the periodic joint meetings of the parties within the Supreme Committee for Labour Market Affairs.

Kuwait respects labour rights

Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights, confirmed Kuwait’s respect for workers’ rights, employment, and its commitment to providing them with decent work opportunities. Kuwait also emphasizes granting workers the freedom to choose the type of work they prefer and to accept it voluntarily.

Expats workers

Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah highlighted that the number of expatriate workers totals approximately 2.5 million, constituting 75% of the total local labor force, representing over 174 nationalities.

She made this statement to KUNA following a seminar organized by the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute titled “The Right to Work” for International Labour Day. The event was held in collaboration with the Department of Human Rights Affairs and partnered with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the International LabourOrganization, and the United Nations Migration Agency. She highlighted that Kuwait’s national labor force totals 500,000 individuals, with 64% being female and 36% male in the government sector.

She said that Kuwait’s national labor force totals 500,000 individuals, with 64% being female and 36% male in the government sector.