Employer Not Paying Gratuity in Kuwait: What to Do (2026)

Worker filing a complaint about unpaid gratuity in Kuwait at the labour office — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Written by Usama Afzal, Founder & Editor, GratuityHisab. Last updated: October 2026. Based on the Kuwait Labour Law; not legal advice.

Short answer

If your employer is not paying gratuity in Kuwait, take these steps in order: (1) gather your contract, payslips and employment dates; (2) send your employer a written demand for the amount and keep a copy; (3) file a complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) — online at manpower.gov.kw or in person; (4) if PAM mediation fails, take your case to the Labour Court, where workers are exempt from court fees. Act quickly — every step below explains exactly how.

First, know exactly what you are owed

Before any complaint, calculate your own number so nobody can lowball you. Kuwait gratuity follows Article 53: (basic salary ÷ 26) × 15 days for each of the first 5 years, plus one full month's salary for every year after the fifth, capped at 18 months. Run your figures through our Kuwait gratuity calculator and read how Kuwait gratuity is calculated so you can quote the exact amount in your demand letter. If you resigned, check what resignation does to your gratuity first — your employer may be (partly) right about a lower figure.

Step 1 — Gather your proof

Paperwork wins labour disputes. Collect: your employment contract (the one approved by PAM), payslips or bank statements showing your basic salary, your official start and end dates, your termination letter or resignation acceptance, and any messages, emails or letters where the gratuity was discussed or promised. The more complete your file, the stronger your complaint. Photograph or scan everything and keep copies outside your work email.

Step 2 — Send a written demand

Ask your employer in writing for the exact gratuity amount, with a clear payment deadline (10–14 days is reasonable). Email counts, but a signed letter delivered by hand with a received stamp is stronger. Keep a copy for yourself. This paper trail matters: it is usually the first thing PAM or a court will ask to see, and it proves you gave the employer a fair chance to pay. If your employer responds with deductions, demand a written breakdown — only genuine debts you owe (like a company loan) can legally be deducted.

Step 3 — File a complaint with PAM

If the employer still does not pay, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is the body that handles labour disputes for private-sector workers in Kuwait — this is where you go before any court. You can file online at manpower.gov.kw (Individuals Services → Labor Service → File a Complaint) or visit the Labour Relations Department in person. Bring: your Civil ID, work permit, employment contract, bank statements, and your written complaint (preferably in Arabic) stating the amount owed. PAM will summon your employer for mediation. Many cases settle at this stage — employers often pay once an official summons arrives.

Step 4 — Take it to the Labour Court

If PAM mediation fails, your dispute can be referred to the Labour Court (a division of the General Court). Labour cases are treated as urgent with shorter hearing schedules, and workers are exempt from court fees. At this stage a licensed labour lawyer is worth it — they will frame your claim under Articles 51–53 and handle the procedure. Keep every PAM document: the court will want the full history of your complaint.

How long does the employer have to pay?

Kuwaiti labour guidance expects employers to settle all end-of-service entitlements when the contract ends — commonly within two weeks of termination. If your employer is delaying beyond that without a valid reason, you can file the PAM complaint immediately. Do not wait months hoping they will pay: labour claims have deadlines, and delay only weakens your position.

What your employer can (and cannot) deduct

Knowing the deduction rules stops employers from inventing reasons not to pay gratuity in Kuwait. Legal deductions: genuine debts you owe the company, such as an outstanding loan — these can be deducted from your gratuity. Illegal deductions: visa fees, work permit fees, recruitment costs, and the employer's social insurance contributions cannot be taken from your gratuity. If your settlement shows any of these, dispute it at PAM.

Do not leave Kuwait with an open dispute

If you are planning to leave the country, file the PAM complaint before you go and keep copies of your contract, bank statements and termination letter with you. Leaving without a filed complaint makes recovery far harder. Your residency depends on employer sponsorship, so an unresolved dispute can also complicate your exit — get the paperwork in motion early.

Where to get help

You do not have to fight alone. Your embassy can assist in serious cases (months of unpaid dues, threats, passport confiscation). The Kuwait Society for Human Rights offers legal aid and mediation support to workers. And a licensed Kuwaiti labour lawyer can take your case to the Labour Court if PAM mediation fails. Start with the free steps above — most workers never need to go further.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my employer is not paying gratuity in Kuwait?

Gather your contract, payslips and dates; send a written demand with a payment deadline and keep a copy; then file a complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) — online at manpower.gov.kw or in person. If PAM mediation fails, take the case to the Labour Court, where workers are exempt from court fees.

Where do I complain about unpaid gratuity in Kuwait?

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), Labour Relations Department — the body that handles private-sector labour disputes. File online at manpower.gov.kw (Individuals Services → Labor Service → File a Complaint) or visit in person with your Civil ID, work permit, contract and bank statements.

Can I file a gratuity complaint online in Kuwait?

Yes. PAM's website (manpower.gov.kw) lets you file a labour complaint online: register or log in, complete the complaint form, attach your contract, salary slips and termination notice, and specify your demand (end-of-service benefits). Keep the submission reference.

How long does an employer have to pay gratuity in Kuwait?

End-of-service entitlements are due when the contract ends — labour guidance commonly expects settlement within two weeks of termination. If payment is delayed beyond that without valid reason, file a PAM complaint immediately rather than waiting.

Can my employer deduct money from my Kuwait gratuity?

Only genuine debts you owe the company, such as an outstanding loan. Visa fees, work permit fees, recruitment costs and the employer's social insurance contributions cannot legally be deducted from your gratuity — dispute any such deduction at PAM.

Sources

This guide is based on Articles 51–54 of the Kuwait Labour Law (Law No. 6 of 2010, Private Sector Labour Law) and the complaint procedures of the Public Authority for Manpower (manpower.gov.kw). This is general information, not legal advice — for a binding determination, consult PAM or a licensed Kuwaiti labour lawyer.

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