17/07/2025
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17/07/2025
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In the scorching streets of Kuwait, thousands of home delivery drivers—many employed through subcontracting companies are being pushed to the brink. Forced to work up to 14 hours a day without breaks, denied rest in extreme heat, and threatened with salary deductions for taking even a few minutes off, these workers are trapped in a system that disregards labor law and human dignity. Behind the convenience of food delivery lies a deeply exploitative structure where third-party agencies squeeze workers for maximum output while evading accountability.
Dear Arab Times Legal Team
I work as a home delivery driver under a third-party company contracted by a Famous Food Delivery Company. We are being assigned daily shifts of up to 14 hours without any breaks, even during the extreme summer heat. This is not just my case—it's the same for all car drivers. If any of us take a short break or request a day off, the subcontracting companies penalize us by deducting money from our salaries. As a result, we are not receiving our full wages despite working long hours. They have also implemented a ‘batch system,’ where even a 5-minute break results in a downgrade and further salary cuts. This feels like forced labor, and we are under constant pressure and fear of financial punishment. I have attached a screenshot as proof of our work assignments. We seek help to stop this exploitation.
Violations by Subcontracting Third-Party Employers
- The maximum legal working hours are 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
- Anything beyond this is overtime and must be paid extra with the employee's consent.
- Employees must be given at least one hour of rest after 5 continuous hours of work.
- A 14-hour continuous work shift without a break is strictly prohibited under Kuwaiti labor law.
- Employers cannot deduct wages unless authorized by law or a court order.
- Penalizing drivers by reducing wages for taking a short break (even 5 minutes) is illegal.
- Any batch system used to penalize workers outside of legal guidelines is not permitted under labor law.
- You are entitled to paid weekly rest and annual leave.
- Punishing drivers for taking rest days is against the law.
- File a Complaint at Shoun (Labor Relations Department):
- Visit the nearest PAM (Public Authority of Manpower) labor office.
- Bring a copy of your employment contract and proof of salary deductions or assigned working hours (screenshot, messages, shift plans).
- Mention the name of the third-party company working under main Delivery Company
Call the Labor Helpline:
- PAM hotline: 103 (from any local line)
- Or Fill the Inquiry form (https://www.manpower.gov.kw/Pages/Services/Reception.aspx)
For more answered legal queries, visit our legal section
For new queries, please email us at [email protected]
