Understanding First- And Second-Degree Relatives Under Kuwait Law

08/10/2025

Understanding First- And Second-Degree Relatives Under Kuwait Law

In Kuwait, understanding how the law defines family relationships is essential—especially for expatriates navigating visa sponsorship, labor entitlements, or official documentation. Kuwaiti labor, immigration, and civil service laws clearly distinguish between first-degree and second-degree relatives, with each category carrying specific implications for benefits such as family visas, emergency leave, and employment restrictions. Knowing these distinctions helps ensure compliance with local regulations and avoids complications in legal or administrative procedures.

Question:

As per the Kuwait labour law Article 77, 3 days paid are allowed for a second-degree relative's death. Who all come under the second-degree relative category?

I came to know from our hr department. That it's not applicable for the father-in-law's case, but when I searched on the net says yes. Just to know for my understanding and knowledge, appreciate it if you could help me out with your valuable advice.

Answer: In Kuwait, including for expats, the definitions of first-degree and second-degree relatives follow standard civil and legal classifications used in Kuwaiti labor, immigration, and civil service laws. These categories are important for purposes such as family visa sponsorship, emergency leave, and employment restrictions.

First-Degree Relatives (Direct Family)

These are immediate family members with a direct parent-child or spousal relationship:

Father
Mother
Husband
Wife
Son
Daughter

For example, an expatriate employee can typically sponsor or apply for family visit visas for these first-degree relatives.

Second-Degree Relatives (Extended Immediate Family)

These are family members one step removed from the direct line:

Grandfather
Grandmother
Brother
Sister
Grandson
Granddaughter

- Second-degree relatives are usually not eligible for dependent (residency) sponsorship, but may be allowed for visit visas in certain humanitarian or special approval cases.

- Under the Kuwait Labor Law (Article 77), both first- and second-degree relatives are considered for bereavement leave (three days).

In-Laws
In-laws (father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law) are not counted in either first- or second-degree relatives for labor, sponsorship, or bereavement leave purposes.
For purposes such as leave, visa sponsorship, or labor law benefits, your father-in-law would not be included as a first- or second-degree relative in Kuwait.

Here’s a clear table of relatives recognized under Kuwaiti labor law for expats, based on the Private Sector Labor Law (Law No. 6 of 2010, as amended) and related regulations, especially for benefits like bereavement leave or dependent considerations:

Degree	Relative	Notes / Eligibility
First-Degree	Father	Eligible for bereavement leave; usually included in family sponsorship for expats if rules allow.
	Mother	Same as above.
	Son	Direct dependent; usually eligible for visa sponsorship.
	Daughter	Same as above.
	Spouse (Husband/Wife)	Eligible for dependent visa; bereavement leave not applicable for spouse’s death in some cases.
Second-Degree	Grandfather	Eligible for three days bereavement leave.
	Grandmother	Same as above.
	Brother	Eligible for three days bereavement leave.
	Sister	Same as above.
	Grandson	Eligible for three days bereavement leave.
	Granddaughter	Same as above.
Not Included	Father-in-law	Not recognized under first- or second-degree relatives; not eligible for bereavement leave.
	Mother-in-law	Same as above.
	Son-in-law	Same as above.
	Daughter-in-law	Same as above.
	Uncle / Aunt	Not counted.
	Nephew / Niece	Not counted.

Key Points:

Only blood relatives (up to second degree) and spouse are officially recognized for labor law purposes like bereavement leave.
For visa sponsorship, usually only first-degree relatives (children, spouse, sometimes parents) are allowed; second-degree relatives are rarely eligible.
In-laws and extended family (uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces) are not recognized for these purposes.

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