Kuwait's New Labor Law Now Active

Kuwait's new labor law became official on February 21 following its publication in the government-owned Kuwait Gazette Al Kuwait Al Youm, demonstrating a significant step forward to protect expatriate workers in the private sector, and paving the way for new legislation to address the rights of domestic workers.

The new law includes updated provisions that address issues of salaries, working hours, public holidays, paid leave, sick leave and suitable end of service payments, was approved by the National Assembly in 2009 and approved by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait for endorsement.

Many remain skeptical as to how these new provisions will profoundly impact or improve condtions in the private sector and question whether the new law will actually be implemented. According to an anonymous journalist interviewed by the Kuwait Times, employers can still easily devise schemes to puncture loopholes in the new law and avoid paying indemnities or other forms of remuneration payable to workers. For example, an employer can transfer workers to a different division within the company or simply fire them and find new workers to avoid paying salaries.

For detailed coverage of the new labor law, click here to be taken to the Arab Times Online.