Domestic Workers
What is a domestic worker?
A domestic worker is any natural person who performs manual work within private residences owned by individuals.
What is the age requirement for domestic workers?
A domestic worker must not be younger than 21 years old and not older than 60 years old.
How are domestic workers recruited?
Through licensed recruitment offices authorized by the authorities to bring in domestic workers.
Which authority is responsible for all domestic worker affairs?
The Public Authority of Manpower (Department of Domestic Worker Recruitment Regulation).
What fees should a domestic worker pay for recruitment through licensed offices?
Recruitment offices are not permitted to collect any fees from the worker to complete the recruitment contract.
What are the employer’s obligations?
- Pay the agreed wage stated in the contract at the end of each month.
- Provide the worker with housing, food, and clothing.
- Ensure suitable accommodation for the worker.
- Provide medical treatment and cover all related expenses.
What are employers prohibited from doing to domestic workers?
- Assigning hazardous work that may affect the worker’s health or dignity.
- Retaining the worker’s personal documents (passport, civil ID) without the worker’s consent.
- Assigning the worker to tasks outside Kuwait without their consent.
What are the obligations of domestic workers?
- Perform assigned work with diligence and dedication.
- Comply with the employer’s instructions as outlined in the contract.
- Safeguard the employer’s property and belongings.
What are domestic workers prohibited from doing?
- Disclosing the employer’s secrets.
- Working outside Kuwait.
- Escaping from the employer’s residence.
- Working in the private sector.
What is the minimum wage for domestic workers?
75 Kuwaiti Dinars per month.
Is the domestic worker entitled to annual leave?
Yes. The worker is entitled to one month of paid leave after completing 11 months of service with the same employer.
How many weekly rest days are granted?
The worker is entitled to one day off per week.
What is the maximum number of daily working hours?
The maximum working hours are 12 hours per day, including rest periods.
Can the worker be asked to work overtime?
Yes, but not exceeding two hours per day.
What is the maximum number of daily working hours?
The maximum working hours are 12 hours per day, including rest periods.
Can the worker be asked to work overtime?
Yes, but not exceeding two hours per day.
How is overtime pay calculated?
The worker is paid half a day’s wage for the extra hours worked.
(Example: If the daily wage is 5 Kuwaiti Dinars, overtime pay would be 2.5 Kuwaiti Dinars.)
What happens if the employer delays salary payment?
The employer must pay a late payment fine of 10 Kuwaiti Dinars for each month of delay.
Are there approved employment contracts?
Yes. Employers and workers must adhere to the official contract templates issued by the Public Authority for Manpower.
(PDF templates of the approved contracts are attached.)
When does the domestic worker’s contract end?
The contract ends upon completion of its term. Either party wishing to terminate the contract must notify the other party two months in advance.
Is the domestic worker entitled to an end-of-service gratuity?
Yes. The worker is entitled to one month’s salary for each year of service as end-of-service indemnity.
Which authority handles domestic labor complaints and disputes?
The Domestic Labor Department of the Public Authority for Manpower.
