KUWAIT CITY, Nov 12: In line with the State’s efforts to enhance the work environment within the private education sector and to ensure the smooth and stable continuation of the educational process, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has announced the adoption of a new mechanism for calculating working hours for employees in private schools. This initiative follows the approval granted by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, based on a proposal submitted by the Kuwaiti Federation of Private Schools.

According to the Authority, this decision comes after a comprehensive study carried out by PAM’s specialized departments. The study examined the nature of work in private educational institutions, highlighting the differences between foreign and Arabic curriculum schools in terms of working days, total weekly hours, and the need for flexibility to accommodate diverse educational structures.

The Authority clarified that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef’s directives are aimed at modernizing the work environment in private schools in a way that balances the interests of all parties—the public sector, school administrations, and teaching and administrative staff—while maintaining stability and consistency in the educational process.

PAM emphasized that implementing this new working-hour calculation system represents a significant step forward in improving employment conditions within the private education sector. The measure is expected to enhance employee satisfaction and performance, contributing positively to the overall quality of education delivered in private schools across Kuwait.

Under the newly approved framework, the weekly work schedule will consist of five working days per week, with seven working hours per day. However, schools may reduce this to a minimum of six hours per day, provided that the total working time remains within the maximum limits defined by labor law. The regulation also stipulates that employees are entitled to a minimum one-hour daily rest period during working hours, ensuring compliance with established labor standards and promoting a healthy and balanced work environment.