Kuwait Overtime Rules and Calculation
Kuwait Labour Law provides strong overtime protections including different premium rates for day, night, and holiday work. Friday work earns double pay. Here is the complete guide to overtime calculation and your rights.
Standard Working Hours
Under Article 64 of Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, the maximum working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, all workers (not just Muslims) are limited to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week.
A mandatory break of at least 1 hour must be given after 5 consecutive hours of work. Break time is not counted as working time. The weekly rest day is Friday, though employers in certain sectors can designate a different day.
Overtime Premium Rates
Daytime overtime: Basic hourly rate + 25% premium (125% total)
Nighttime overtime (7PM-6AM): Basic hourly rate + 50% premium (150% total)
Friday/holiday work: Double pay (200% of normal rate) plus a compensatory rest day
Hourly rate = Monthly basic salary / 26 working days / daily hours
Example: KWD 300 basic / 26 / 8 = KWD 1.44/hour. Day overtime = KWD 1.80. Night = KWD 2.16. Friday = KWD 2.88.
Overtime Limits
Maximum 10 total hours per day (regular + overtime)
Annual cap: 180 hours, extendable to 360 with MSAL approval
Workers can refuse overtime beyond these limits
Outdoor work ban: Kuwait bans outdoor work between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM from June 1 to August 31. Violations carry fines of KWD 100 to KWD 200 per worker. Report violations to MSAL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is overtime calculated?
Day: 125%. Night: 150%. Friday/holidays: 200% (double pay) plus compensatory day off.
What are maximum hours?
8 hours/day or 48/week. Ramadan: 6 hours/day for all workers. Max 10 total with overtime.
Can my employer force overtime?
Only in emergencies. 180-hour annual cap (360 with MSAL approval). Max 10 hours total per day.
Is Friday work double pay?
Yes. Double normal rate plus a compensatory rest day. Same applies to public holidays.
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