Kuwait Private School Teachers Forced To Work Extra Hours? How to Handle It Legally

18/11/2025

Kuwait Private School Teachers Forced To Work Extra Hours? How to Handle It Legally

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in coordination with the Ministry of Education, has approved a new framework regulating working hours for employees in private schools across Kuwait. Under the new rules, daily working hours are capped at seven, which include a 30-minute duty-free lunch break and another 30 minutes set aside for lesson planning. (click here )

While the policy aims to standardize scheduling and ensure schools comply with Kuwait’s labor laws, it has raised questions among teachers and administrative staff over how it will be implemented in practice.

One of the main concerns is whether schools are legally obliged to stick to the seven-hour limit, particularly when staff are asked to perform duties outside regular teaching time. PAM has clarified that all work performed on school premises must be counted as part of the total working hours. Schools using automatic clock-out systems that don’t reflect actual work will still be held responsible for any excess hours.

Another question revolves around the two mandated breaks. Schools that fail to provide the 30-minute duty-free lunch and 30-minute planning time are considered non-compliant, regardless of what individual contracts state. The PAM-approved system guarantees these breaks within the workday for all educational staff.

Teachers who often find themselves exceeding the limit are encouraged to keep detailed records of their working hours — including teaching, administrative tasks, and any extra duties such as supervision or grading outside official hours. These records could be vital if any disputes or formal complaints arise.

While reviewing employment contracts is advised, experts stress that no private agreement can override government rules. Teachers can raise the issue internally by formally notifying school management and citing PAM’s guidelines to request adjustments to their current schedules.

If a school fails to respond or continues to breach the regulation, employees may file a formal complaint with PAM online or in person, supported by documentation of extra hours, missed breaks, and any related correspondence. PAM has full authority to investigate and enforce compliance where violations are found.

To protect themselves, teachers are also advised to keep written copies of all communications and seek legal advice if necessary to pursue compensation or clarify their labor rights.

Overall, the seven-hour rule marks a significant effort to protect private school employees and promote fairness in work-hour management, ensuring all staff receive proper breaks and recognition for their time under PAM and Ministry of Education regulations

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