Private-sector employee (company job)? Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 applies to you instead — use the main indemnity & final settlement calculator.
Your rights under Law No. 68 of 2015
These protections are written into the Domestic Worker Law and its 2022 executive regulations. Disputes are handled by the Department of Domestic Labour at the Ministry of Interior.
Wages — Arts. 7, 8, 20
The agreed wage must be paid at the end of every month, from the actual first working day, with no deductions under any circumstances. Transfer or cash receipts are the proof of payment.
End of service — Art. 23
One month's wage for every year of service, paid when the contract ends.
Hours & rest — Art. 22
Maximum 12-hour working day interspersed with breaks, plus a paid weekly rest day and paid annual leave.
Passport — Arts. 12, 22
Your passport is your personal document. The employer may not confiscate or keep it unless you freely agree.
Living standards — Arts. 9, 11
The employer must provide food, clothing, medicine, medical treatment and suitable housing with decent living standards.
Dignity & safety — Arts. 5, 10
No dangerous or humiliating work. Offices may not advertise or categorize workers by faith, gender, colour or cost.
No recruitment fees — Art. 4
Recruitment offices may charge the worker nothing — directly or indirectly — for finding or keeping employment. Violations are prosecuted as extortion.
Contract — Arts. 18, 21
A written contract via the Department of Domestic Labour, in Arabic and English, stating wage, duration and the nature of work. Workers must be aged 21–60.
Worked example
A housemaid earning KWD 120 per month completes 5 years of service:
- End-of-service pay = 1 month's wage × 5 years = 5 × 120 = KWD 600.000
- Plus any unpaid wages, which are owed separately.
On the worker's death, the employer must also repatriate the body and pay the wages of that month (Art. 22).
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about domestic worker rights and end-of-service pay in Kuwait.
How is end-of-service pay calculated for domestic workers?
Article 23 of Law No. 68 of 2015 sets it at one month's wage for every year of service, payable after completion of the contract duration. Example: 5 years at KWD 120/month = KWD 600.
Can my employer keep my passport?
No. Articles 12 and 22 make the passport your personal document — the employer may not confiscate it or keep it unless you freely agree.
What are my working-hour limits?
Article 22 caps the working day at 12 hours, interspersed with breaks, and guarantees a paid weekly rest day and paid annual leave.
What must my employer provide?
Food, clothing, medicine and medical treatment, and suitable housing (Articles 9 and 11) — in addition to the monthly wage with no deductions (Articles 7 and 8).
Can a recruitment office charge me fees?
No. Article 4 prohibits offices and their associates from charging the worker any direct or indirect fees; offenders are prosecuted under the Penal Code for extortion.
Legal basis
This page applies Law No. 68 of 2015 concerning Domestic Workers and Ministerial Decision No. 22 of 2022 (executive regulations): Article 23 (end-of-service pay), Articles 7–12 (employer obligations), Article 22 (contractual rights: hours, rest, leave, passport), Article 4 (no recruitment fees).
Disclaimer: This is an independent educational tool, not affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, the Public Authority of Manpower or any Kuwaiti government body, and its results are not legal advice. For official calculations contact the Department of Domestic Labour (Ministry of Interior).