Kuwait Annual Leave Entitlement
Kuwait provides one of the most generous annual leave entitlements in the Gulf — 30 working days per year. Combined with public holidays and the employer-paid home ticket, this represents significant worker benefits. Here is the complete guide.
Your Leave Entitlement
Annual leave: 30 working days per year at full pay (Article 70). Note: these are working days, not calendar days — weekends and public holidays within your leave are not counted.
When you can start taking leave: After completing 9 months of service. Leave accrues from day one but cannot be taken until the 9-month qualifying period.
Public holidays: In addition, workers receive paid public holidays: Kuwait National Day (Feb 25), Liberation Day (Feb 26), Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, and New Year's Day.
Home ticket: Employer provides one return ticket to your home country per year during annual leave (Article 71).
Carry-Forward and Cash-Out
Unused leave can be carried forward for up to 2 years. After that, the employer must either schedule the leave or pay cash compensation. Your employer cannot force you to forfeit leave that has been carried forward — it remains your entitlement.
Upon termination (whether resignation or dismissal), all accumulated unused leave must be paid as cash compensation at your last daily salary rate. This applies even if you are terminated during probation, proportional to the time worked.
Rules Your Employer Must Follow
Cannot deny leave for more than 2 consecutive years
Must pay full salary before the leave period starts
Cannot require you to waive annual leave in writing
Sick days during annual leave (with medical certificate) are not counted as leave
Working days vs calendar days: Kuwait's 30 days are working days. A 30-working-day leave is roughly 6 calendar weeks when you include weekends. This is more generous than it might first appear compared to countries that count calendar days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leave days do I get?
30 working days per year. Plus public holidays. Can be taken after 9 months of service.
Can I carry forward unused leave?
Yes, for up to 2 years. After that, employer must schedule it or pay cash compensation.
Does my employer pay for my flight home?
Yes, one return ticket to your home country per year during annual leave.
Can my employer refuse leave?
They can schedule timing but cannot deny it for more than 2 consecutive years.
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