22/09/2019
22/09/2019
I am a nurse in a clinic, hired from Philippines. Just last month (August) I submitted my 3 months notice of resignation. Next month (October) will be my 3rd year of working in my company. So I assumed that I already have the right to get a release from my sponsor. But the HR told me that according to my sponsor, they will only give me release without any problem if I pay KD 1,500 for my transfer and my license. I told the HR that as per Kuwait labor law, it’s my right to get a release since I have served for 3 yrs already by next month. But the told me that there is a special law for those who are working in medical field, government and other fields of work, thus, I am not under the law that states that someone can have release after 3 years of serving with the company, so even if I’ll file a complain to labor office of Kuwait, he said I’m not gonna win. And they have the right to hold my license. So they gave me 2 options, either I’ll go back to the Philippines or pay KD 1,500 for my release and transfer.
Name withheld
Answer: Your HR department is not telling you the truth. The 3-year mandatory work for the company that brings a worker from his/her home country to Kuwait is applicable for everybody under the Kuwait labour law without distinction. The KD 1500 demanded from you is without any legal basis and we suggest that if the company insists on you paying the amount in order for them to give you a release you file a case against them at the public authority for manpower through the labour department in your area for a redress.
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