Labour Complaint in Kuwait: Filing Steps, Required Documents and Sample Complaint

Filing a labour complaint in Kuwait’s private sector begins with submitting a request to the competent Labour Department. The department attempts an amicable settlement before referring the dispute to the Court of First Instance if settlement fails, under Article 146 of Labour Law No. 6 of 2010.

A complaint may concern unpaid wages, disputed end-of-service benefits or other employment entitlements. Preparing supporting documents and identifying the amounts and periods in dispute helps establish a clear claim.

When Might You Need to File a Labour Complaint?

Employment disputes may arise from:

• Delayed or partially unpaid salaries.

• Disagreements over end-of-service benefit calculations.

• Claims for payment for accrued, unused leave.

• Disputes concerning payment in lieu of notice or termination compensation.

• Disagreements over overtime hours and payment.

Each claim requires an assessment of the employment contract, length of service, salary, reasons for termination and available evidence.

This article addresses private-sector employment. Government employment and domestic work require separate consideration of their applicable rules and procedures.

Steps to File a Labour Complaint in Kuwait

1. Identify the Subject of the Complaint

Prepare a summary showing your employment start date, position, salary, when the dispute arose and whether employment is ongoing or has ended.

List each claim separately. For unpaid wages, identify the relevant months, the amount due for each month and any payments already received.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Arrange contracts, statements and correspondence chronologically. Keep originals and clear copies.

A short calculation sheet can help explain the amount claimed and how it was calculated.

3. Submit the Request to the Competent Labour Department

Under Article 146, a request must be submitted to the competent Labour Department before court proceedings are brought.

Check that the employee’s and employer’s details are correct and that the grounds of the complaint and requested remedies are clearly stated.

4. Follow Up and Participate in Settlement Discussions

Keep the complaint number and proof of submission. Monitor appointments and notifications.

Before signing a settlement, review its terms, the amount offered, payment arrangements and the rights covered.

5. Follow Up on Court Proceedings if Settlement Fails

If an amicable settlement cannot be reached, referral procedures to the competent court are completed.

This stage requires monitoring notices, supporting documents and requests relating to the calculation of employment dues.

Documents to Prepare for a Labour Complaint

Filing requirements vary according to the circumstances and service used. The following documents help assess the claim:

This is a preparation checklist, rather than a standard government list applicable to every complaint.

Filing a Labour Complaint Online in Kuwait

Electronic labour services provide transactions relating to complaint submission and follow-up. Access may require registration and completion of contact details with the competent authority.

Start through the official website of the Public Authority for Manpower and follow the instructions displayed for the relevant service.

Before submitting:

1. Verify your personal details and registered telephone number.

2. Prepare the employer’s details and a summary of the dispute.

3. Identify the periods and amounts claimed.

4. Follow the service’s requirements for information and attachments.

5. Keep the application number and proof of submission.

If you cannot log in or find the appropriate service, contact the Labour Relations Unit to check registration requirements and the procedure available for your circumstances.

How Long Does a Labour Complaint Take?

Article 146 requires referral to the Court of First Instance within one month of submitting the request if amicable settlement fails.

This is a referral deadline, not a guaranteed date for judgment or payment.

The duration of proceedings depends on service of notices, disputed documents, the need for expert assessment, and any applicable appeal or enforcement procedures.

What Is the Time Limit for Employment Claims?

Article 144 provides that employees’ claims based on the Labour Law will not be heard, where denied, after one year from the end of the employment contract, subject to the relevant legal provisions.

It is therefore advisable to have the claim reviewed promptly and avoid relying solely on verbal negotiations when calculating deadlines.

The same article exempts claims brought by workers or persons entitled through them from court fees. However, the court may order payment of all or part of the costs if the claim is rejected. Lawyers’ fees are governed by a separate agreement.

Sample Labour Complaint in Kuwait

This is an illustrative template to be adapted to the facts. It is not an official government form.

To: Public Authority for Manpower — Competent Labour Department.
Subject: Labour complaint concerning outstanding employment dues.

Complainant’s details:
Name: ………………
Civil ID number: ………………
Telephone number: ………………

Employer’s details:
Company or establishment name: ………………
File number, if available: ………………
Workplace address: ………………

I submit this complaint concerning my employment with the above establishment from [date], in the position of [position], for a salary of KWD [amount].

The dispute concerns: [Describe the events with dates, the amounts claimed and any payments already received].

I request examination of the following claims in light of the supporting documents and applicable rules:

1. Unpaid wages for [period], totalling KWD [amount].

2. End-of-service benefits, if payable, estimated at KWD [amount].

3. Payment for accrued, unused leave, if payable, estimated at KWD [amount].

4. Payment in lieu of notice or compensation, where legally justified.

5. Amicable settlement procedures and referral to the competent court if settlement fails.

Attachments: ………………
Date: ………………
Name and signature: ………………

Delete claims that do not apply and avoid including the same amount more than once.

The Lawyer’s Role in a Labour Complaint

A legal review helps identify the claims, check calculations, organise evidence and prepare clear requests.

The agreed scope of work may include reviewing settlement terms, preparing written submissions, and following up on litigation and enforcement.

For a consultation, prepare the employment contract, salary records, termination documents and any previous complaints or settlements.

Lawyers and Contact Details at Ineqad

Contact Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultations to explain the dispute and identify a suitable lawyer.

The following number is the firm’s central contact number, rather than each lawyer’s personal number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Should I Start if My Salary Has Not Been Paid?

Prepare a schedule of unpaid months and amounts, together with transfer records and supporting correspondence. Submit the matter to the competent Labour Department.

Will I Receive My Dues Within One Month?

There is no guaranteed collection period. The referral deadline is separate from the time required for judgment and enforcement.

Can I Challenge an End-of-Service Benefit Calculation?

The disagreement can be raised within the employment claim. Provide the employer’s calculation, salary details, length of service, reason employment ended and payments already received so that any difference can be assessed.

Does Signing a Release End All Claims?

Its effect requires examination of its wording, when it was signed, the amounts paid and the applicable legal rules. The document’s title alone does not determine its legal effect.

Contact Us About an Employment Dispute

For enquiries about reviewing documents and preparing a claim, contact Ineqad Law Firm and Legal Consultations:

Telephone and WhatsApp: +965 6666 8811
Website: ineqad.com