Kuwait MPs propose seven-hour workday limit in private sector

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 24: Kuwait MPs Badr Nashmi, Faris Al-Otaibi, Abdul Hadi Al-Ajmi, Badr Sayyar, and Osama Al-Shaheen have proposed a law amendment to Law No. (6) of 2010 governing work in the private sector, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The proposed change involves replacing the existing text of Article (64) with a new one, restricting a worker’s weekly hours to forty-two or seven hours per day, except in specific cases outlined in the law. In the holy month of Ramadan, weekly working hours would be limited to thirty-six. The Minister may issue a decision to reduce working hours for strenuous or health-hazardous jobs or due to harsh conditions.

Furthermore, the proposal suggests altering Article (65), Clause (A), with the new text stating that a worker cannot be employed for more than four consecutive hours per day without a rest period of at least one hour. The rest periods do not count within the working hours, except for the banking, financial, and investment sector. The working hours in this sector would remain seven consecutive hours.

The explanatory memorandum justifies the amendment by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the human element in economic development. It argues that providing comfort and an appropriate work environment is crucial to achieving productivity and allowing workers time for their daily affairs.

The proposed changes aim to address the inadequacies of the current law, particularly its misalignment with the flexible and irregular working hours common in the private sector.

The amendment aims to reduce the burden on workers, enhance their satisfaction and well-being, and encourage greater productivity, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers in Kuwait’s financial and commercial landscape.

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