Overtime pay is a legal right under Articles 66-68 of Kuwait Labor Law, not something your employer can withhold at their discretion. Start by calculating exactly what you're owed and documenting your hours, then raise it with HR in writing — if that doesn't resolve it, you can file a formal complaint with PAM (Public Authority for Manpower).
Under Kuwait Labor Law, overtime is calculated on your full monthly remuneration (basic salary plus regular allowances) — not basic salary alone. The rates are:
| When | Rate | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday overtime | 125% | Article 66 |
| Weekly rest day | 150% + compensatory day off | Article 67 |
| Public holiday | 200% + compensatory day off | Article 68 |
Overtime is capped at 2 hours per day and 180 hours per year — hours worked beyond employer request generally don't count.
Before raising anything, work out the actual number. Use our Overtime Calculator with your monthly remuneration and hours worked — having an exact, defensible figure makes the conversation with HR far more effective than a vague complaint.
Send a clear, polite written request to HR or your manager — email is better than a verbal conversation because it creates a paper trail. State the hours worked, the calculated amount owed, and reference the relevant Labor Law article.
If your employer doesn't resolve it, you can file a formal complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) — they handle labour disputes including unpaid wages and overtime. Bring your documentation (payslips, hours records, written correspondence) to support your case.