Filing an Employment Dues Complaint in Kuwait: Procedures, Documents and Legal Deadlines

Filing an employment dues complaint in Kuwait starts with identifying the financial entitlements claimed and preparing supporting documents. The worker then submits a request to the competent Labour Department at the Public Authority for Manpower to attempt a settlement before proceeding to court if an amicable resolution cannot be reached.

This article covers claims by private-sector workers subject to Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010. Domestic workers and employees governed by other employment systems are subject to different rules and procedures.

What Is an Employment Dues Complaint?

It is a claim submitted by a worker concerning unpaid financial entitlements arising from employment, or a dispute over their amount. It may concern overdue wages during employment or entitlements arising when employment ends.

For a clear claim, identify each entitlement, the relevant period and the amount requested, while stating any payments already received.

Which Employment Entitlements Can Be Claimed?

Claims vary depending on the employment contract, length of service, reason for termination and available evidence. The following items may require review:

An item appearing in this list does not establish an automatic entitlement. Its conditions and calculation must be checked before a specific amount is claimed.

Steps for Filing an Employment Dues Complaint in Kuwait

1. Prepare a Statement of the Amounts Claimed

Prepare a list showing:

• Each type of entitlement.

• The period it relates to.

• The amount claimed and how it was calculated.

• Payments already received.

• The evidence supporting each item.

Illustrative example: If three monthly salaries of KWD 300 each remain entirely unpaid, the unpaid-wages claim totals KWD 900. This amount should be listed separately from end-of-service benefits or other claims.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Useful documents may include:

• Civil ID and contact details.

• Employment contract and work permit.

• Bank statements and payslips.

• Dismissal letter, resignation or notice of contract expiry.

• Attendance, leave and overtime records.

• Correspondence about unpaid entitlements or promises to pay.

• Previous settlement agreements or releases, together with evidence of payments received.

This is a preparation checklist. Required documents may vary according to the dispute and the competent authority’s requirements.

3. Register the Complaint with the Competent Authority

The Public Authority for Manpower’s labour service includes complaint submission, complaint enquiries and enquiries about the department responsible for the worker.

Consult the official service for registration and submission requirements, and retain the complaint number and proof of registration.

4. Follow Up on the Settlement Process

Arrange your documents chronologically and explain the disputed amounts and any payments actually received. When reviewing a proposed settlement, check:

• The total amount agreed.

• The payment date and method.

• The entitlements covered by the settlement.

• The wording of any acknowledgement of receipt or waiver.

Documenting these details helps reduce disputes over performance of the agreement.

5. Follow Up on Referral to Court if Settlement Fails

Article 146 requires a request to be submitted to the competent Labour Department before a lawsuit is brought. If an amicable settlement cannot be reached, the department must refer the dispute to the Court of First Instance within one month of the request’s submission.

This is the statutory referral period. It is not a guaranteed timeframe for obtaining a judgment or recovering payment.

What Is the Deadline for Claiming Employment Dues?

Article 144 provides that claims brought by workers under the Labour Law will not be heard, where denied, after one year has elapsed from the termination of the employment contract, subject to the relevant legal provisions.

The termination date and the effect of any previous proceedings should therefore be reviewed, and claims pursued promptly.

The article also exempts proceedings brought by workers or their beneficiaries from court fees, while allowing costs to be awarded in the circumstances specified by law. Exemption does not necessarily mean that pursuing the dispute will involve no expenses.

Sample Employment Dues Complaint

To: The Competent Labour Department, Public Authority for Manpower
Subject: Request to Settle a Dispute Concerning Employment Dues

Applicant: [Name]
Civil ID Number: [Number]
Telephone Number: [Number]
Respondent: [Company or employer’s name and details]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I worked for the respondent as [job title] from [date], earning KWD [amount]. My employment ended on [date] / I remain employed by the respondent.

My claim consists of:

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

2. Other entitlements: [type, amount and calculation basis].

I have received KWD [amount]. I enclose supporting documents and a statement of the amounts claimed.

I request that steps be taken to settle the dispute and, if settlement cannot be reached, that it be referred to the competent court in accordance with the law.

Yours faithfully,

Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: [Signature]

This sample should be adapted to the facts and the authority’s requirements. It does not replace any prescribed official form.

How Can a Lawyer Help Recover Employment Dues?

A lawyer can organise the file and assess the claims before proceedings begin by:

• Reviewing the contract, wage records and termination documents.

• Checking calculations and identifying missing documents.

• Presenting the facts and requests clearly.

• Reviewing settlement offers and the effect of releases or waivers.

• Preparing submissions and following up on court and enforcement procedures within the agreed scope of representation.

You can contact Ineqad Law Firm for Legal Consultations to request a document review and identify the appropriate course for pursuing your claim.

Lawyers and Contact Details Through Ineqad

This is the firm’s shared contact and appointment-booking number, rather than a personal number for each person listed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Dues Complaints in Kuwait

Can I Claim Unpaid Wages While Still Employed?

A claim may concern wages due while employment continues. Identify the months and amounts claimed, and gather bank statements and payment-related correspondence.

Can an Employment Dues Complaint Be Filed Electronically?

The labour service includes complaint submission and enquiries. Consult the official service for access requirements, registration conditions and the procedures applicable to your case.

Will My Entitlements Be Paid as Soon as I Register a Complaint?

Registration starts the dispute review process. Recovery depends on reaching and implementing a settlement, or obtaining an enforceable instrument and following the applicable enforcement procedures.

Should I Sign a Release Before Receiving Payment?

Review the wording carefully, particularly if it acknowledges receipt of money that has not been paid. Document what you actually receive and seek a review of any settlement whose effects you do not understand.

How Long Does an Employment Dues Complaint Take?

The timeframe varies depending on settlement, the need for expert assessment, court proceedings and enforcement. The statutory court-referral period is not the timeframe for concluding the case or recovering payment.

Contact Ineqad Law Firm for Legal Consultations

For assistance reviewing your employment dues, prepare your employment contract, wage records, termination document and a summary of the amounts claimed.

Phone and WhatsApp: +965 6666 8811
Website: ineqad.com
Email: info@ineqad.com