Key Provisions of Kuwait Domestic Labor Law No. 68 of 2015
Promulgated by the Kuwait National Assembly, Law No. 68 of 2015 created the first modern comprehensive legal framework governing domestic helpers in the GCC. Administered jointly by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Domestic Labor Department and the Ministry of Interior, the law guarantees fundamental worker protections while safeguarding sponsor rights.
Core Statutory Rights of Domestic Helpers
| Statutory Provision | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|
| Daily Rest (Article 7) | Domestic workers cannot be made to work more than 12 hours a day, including at least 8 continuous hours of night rest. |
| Weekly Day Off (Article 8) | 1 fully paid 24-hour day off per week. |
| Annual Paid Leave (Article 9) | 30 days of paid annual vacation upon completing 2 continuous years of service, plus return airfare to their home country. |
| End-of-Service Indemnity (Article 16) | 1 month's salary for every completed year of service upon contract conclusion. |
| Passport Custody (Article 12) | Employers are strictly prohibited from retaining the worker's passport or official documents. |
Sponsor Protections & Agency Liabilities
Law No. 68/2015 provides strong guarantees for employers:
- Mandatory 6-Month Agency Warranty: If a worker refuses to work, displays medical disability, or has legal impediments within the first 6 months, the agency must provide an immediate replacement or full cash refund.
- Dispute Resolution via PAM: Before filing court actions, all grievances are handled through the Domestic Labor Department (PAM Helpline: 1884880) for expedited mediation.