Kuwait grants up to 12 months paid leave for employees

April 27, 2025
Kuwait Boosts Employee Welfare with Extended Paid Leave for Families Seeking Medical Care Abroad

In a significant move towards enhancing employee welfare, the Kuwaiti government has introduced a new policy granting government employees up to 12 months of paid leave to accompany family members receiving medical treatment abroad. This landmark decision, an amendment to Article 45 of the Civil Service Law, aims to alleviate the emotional and financial strain on families navigating long-term healthcare challenges. Previously, the maximum paid leave for such situations was capped at six months.

Under the revised legislation, employees can avail themselves of a year of special leave with full salary, contingent upon confirmation from the Ministry of Health regarding the family member's medical treatment abroad. Furthermore, the policy allows for an additional unpaid leave extension of up to six months, providing crucial flexibility for families requiring prolonged periods of care.

The Ministry of Health has lauded the Cabinet's decision as a "humanitarian step," emphasizing its recognition of the vital role family support plays in a patient's recovery journey. The ministry underscored that the previous six-month limitation often disrupted continuity of care and caused significant stress for families. This new law ensures stability and uninterrupted support throughout the treatment process, aligning with Kuwait's commitment to humanitarian values and family-centered care, placing the welfare of its citizens at the forefront of public policy.

While the recent focus has been on this progressive step regarding paid leave, the broader context of employee welfare in Kuwait, particularly concerning the significant number of expatriate workers, remains an important aspect.

Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian Workers in Kuwait:

Unfortunately, precise, up-to-the-minute figures on the exact number of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian workers in Kuwait are not readily available in the provided text or general search results. However, it is widely acknowledged that these nationalities constitute a substantial portion of Kuwait's expatriate workforce, playing crucial roles in various sectors, including construction, domestic work, retail, and professional services.

India has historically been one of the largest sources of expatriate labor in Kuwait. 


Bangladesh also has a significant number of its citizens working in Kuwait, primarily in construction and domestic roles.Pakistan contributes a considerable segment to the Kuwaiti workforce across various industries.Other South Asian countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka also have a presence, though typically in smaller numbers compared to the aforementioned countries.

For accurate, current statistics, one would typically need to consult official reports from the Kuwaiti government (such as the Ministry of Interior or the Public Authority for Manpower), or potentially data from the respective embassies of these countries in Kuwait. International organizations focusing on migration and labor statistics might also provide relevant data.

History of Bangladeshis in Kuwait:

The migration of Bangladeshis to Kuwait for employment began in the latter part of the 20th century, gaining momentum particularly after Kuwait's post-Gulf War reconstruction efforts in the early 1990s. Initially, a significant portion of Bangladeshi workers were involved in the construction sector, contributing to the rebuilding and development of Kuwait's infrastructure.

Over time, the scope of employment for Bangladeshis in Kuwait has broadened to include other sectors such as:

Domestic Work: A considerable number of Bangladeshi women are employed as domestic workers.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Many Bangladeshis find work in cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties.

 Agriculture: While smaller in comparison to other sectors, some Bangladeshis are employed in agricultural roles.

Retail and Hospitality: Increasing numbers are also finding opportunities in the retail and hospitality industries.

Bangladeshi workers have played a vital role in the Kuwaiti economy, contributing significantly to its growth and development. Remittances sent back home by these workers are also a crucial source of foreign income for Bangladesh.

While the recent news highlights a positive step towards employee welfare in Kuwait, the well-being and rights of the large expatriate workforce, including Bangladeshis, Indians, and Pakistanis, remain an important area of focus for both the Kuwaiti government and the respective sending countries. Ensuring fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and access to necessary support services are crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy and productive workforce in Kuwait.