I have been working in a foreign company for the last 5 years on a project work. My contract was renewed on Jan 1, 2011. Can I get 30 days annual leave as per the new Kuwait Labor Law. My firm says one month. Which is correct?

Name withheld

Answer: Regardless of the fact when your contract was signed or renewed your annual leave from Feb 20, 2010 onwards is 30 days and not one month. There is a big difference. One month means 26 working days only while what you are authorized now is 30 working days leave.

 Even though we are still waiting for the by-laws to the Labor Law, it is safe to assume that after Feb 20, 2010 all annual leave is 30 days. The Kuwait Labor Law takes precedence over contracts. What is mentioned in the law is the minimum that any employees can be given. Firms can give more and not less.