How to Recover Unpaid Salaries as an Expat in Kuwait

06/10/2025

How to Recover Unpaid Salaries as an Expat in Kuwait

Many expatriates in Kuwait face challenges, including unpaid salaries, unfair contract changes, and delayed payments, which leave them struggling to make ends meet. One worker, who served a private company for over five years, was promised a monthly salary of KD 200 but received only KD 90, with no resolution despite repeated requests. Situations like this underscore the importance of understanding your rights under Kuwait’s labor laws and taking the necessary steps to recover unpaid wages and safeguard yourself against illegal employment practices.

Question:
Dear Arab Times I am an expat. I was working for a private company in Kuwait for more than five years. My agreed monthly salary was KD 200, but the company only deposited KD 90 into my bank account. When we arrived in Kuwait, they changed our contracts without our consent.

For the past 1 year, I asked my manager for my difference in salary and he keeps saying “tomorrow, tomorrow,” but never pays the remaining amount. The company withholds salaries for all the staff

Currently, new employees are hired without civil IDs or bank accounts, which I reported to the Labor Department, but no action was taken. It seems the company has strong support from someone in the labor office.

Because of this situation, I was forced to leave Kuwait, as I could no longer survive without my salary. I also informed the sponsor, but she did not reply to my messages — instead, she forwarded them to the manager.

I don’t know the proper way to recover my unpaid salary, so I am requesting your help. Please take action to protect workers like us, ensure companies do not change contracts unfairly, and make them pay the correct basic salary.

Many workers are working 10 hours a day, including overtime, but salaries are always delayed, sometimes by 45 days after the month ends.

I sincerely hope for your kind assistance and a positive response.

Answer:
We are really sorry to hear what happened — you have been treated unfairly, and your employer’s actions may violate Kuwait Labor Law (Law No. 6 of 2010).

Here’s what you should know and what you can safely do next:

Your Rights Under Kuwait Labor Law

Salary Payment

Working Hours

End-of-Service Benefits

Working Without Civil IDs / Bank Accounts

What You Can Do Now

Since your manager and the company are not paying you properly, you can file a formal complaint. Here’s how:

Go to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM)
Explain Clearly
If You Already Left Kuwait

Step-by-step summary

Go to the nearest Labor Office (PAM) and file a written complaint.
Keep proof of salary payments (bank deposits, messages).
Contact your Embassy and explain you left because of unpaid wages.
If your employer ignores the case, PAM can refer it to the Labor Court, which can force the company to pay you.

For answered legal queries, visit our legal section. For new queries, feel free to email [email protected]