I want to inquire about the working hours for the Holy Month of Ramadan. I am working for a foreign construction company. Today they posted a memo regarding Ramadan working hours. Our company is violating the Kuwait Labour Law Article 64 and they are giving 6 hours regular hours for Muslim workers. Non-Muslims are still required to work for 10 hours regular hours.
The “Kuwait labour law doesn’t differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims on any such issue. And more than 6 hours of work in Ramadan is considered as overtime.”
Can you help us regarding our issue? Violation of Kuwait Law is a big issue. If you cannot help us, please give us a contact number or email address so we can file a complaint on this issue with the higher officials in Kuwait.
Name withheld
Answer: Your company is totally wrong and it doesn’t matter whether it is a foreign company or not. Such discrimination is not allowed.
The law clearly states that 6 hours or 36 hours a week is the maximum allowed for the private sector. The company has to pay for any work beyond those hours. It doesn’t matter whether the employee is a Muslim or non-Muslim. Article 64 of the Kuwait Labor Law applies to all.
You should immediately file a complaint with the Labor Office in your area or you can go to the Labor Office located in the Behbehani Complex in Sharq.
The company can be warned, fined or have its licence withdrawn if it continues to violate the Labor Law.
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Our company says that we have to continue with the same timings in Ramadan. Is this correct? I have heard that the new Labor Law has reduced these timings.
Name withheld
Answer: You are right. The new Labor Law, issued on Feb 20, 2010, reduced the weekly working hours in the Holy Month of Ramadan to 36 from the normal 48. If your company has any doubt it can be refer to Article 64 of the Labor Law.
source: arabtimesonline.com
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