Sick leave in Kuwait is an important legal entitlement for employees, ensuring they receive the necessary time off to recover while maintaining job security. Understanding sick leave policies can help both employees and employers stay compliant with Kuwait’s labor laws.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover sick leave entitlements, the procedure to apply, recent policy updates, and digital authentication methods for sick leave in Kuwait.
Table of Contents
Sick Leave Entitlements in Kuwait
According to Kuwait labor law, employees are entitled to the following sick leave benefits each year:
✔ First 15 days – Full pay
✔ Next 10 days – 75% pay
✔ Following 10 days – 50% pay
✔ Next 10 days – 25% pay
✔ Additional 30 days – Unpaid leave
📌 Note: These entitlements apply annually and require medical certification.
🚀 Why It’s Important: Employees must be aware of their paid and unpaid sick leave to avoid unexpected deductions.
How to Apply for Sick Leave in Kuwait
To properly request sick leave, employees must follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Medical Certificate
✔ Visit an approved doctor or a government hospital.
✔ Obtain a medical report confirming your condition.
📌 If a dispute arises, the government doctor’s report is considered final.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
✔ Submit the sick leave certificate to HR or your manager.
✔ Ensure you meet the company’s sick leave reporting deadline.
📌 Employers have the right to verify the authenticity of medical leave claims.
Recent Updates on Sick Leave Policy (2025)
📢 Proposed Changes to Sick Leave Conversions
The Kuwait government is considering ending the practice of converting unused sick leave into annual leave or cash compensation. This policy shift aims to reduce financial costs and ensure sick leave is only used for health recovery.
🚀 Impact on Employees:
✔ Employees may lose the ability to cash out unused sick days.
✔ Strict enforcement of sick leave documentation may increase.
📌 Stay updated on official labor announcements regarding sick leave policies.
How to Authenticate Sick Leave in Kuwait
The Ministry of Health (MOH) requires authentication of sick leave certificates issued by private hospitals before they are recognized by employers.
Steps to Authenticate Sick Leave:
1️⃣ Gather Required Documents:
✔ Medical certificate issued by a doctor.
✔ Civil ID copy of the employee.
✔ Official transfer letter from the employer (if needed).
2️⃣ Submit the Documents:
✔ Visit the Ministry of Health Sick Leave Authentication Office.
✔ Pay any applicable authentication fees.
📌 Employees working in the public sector must authenticate leave exceeding one month.
👉 Check the official sick leave authentication process here: MOH Sick Leave Certification
Using the Sahel App for Sick Leave Applications
Kuwait has digitized the sick leave process through the Sahel App, making it easier to manage sick leave online.
✔ Apply for sick leave digitally without visiting HR.
✔ Track your application status in real-time.
✔ Receive employer confirmation electronically.
📌 How to Use the Sahel App for Sick Leave:
1️⃣ Download the App:
✔ Sahel for Android
✔ Sahel for iOS
2️⃣ Log in with your Civil ID.
3️⃣ Select ‘Ministry of Health’ and apply for sick leave.
🚀 This method eliminates paperwork and speeds up sick leave approval!
Key Takeaways on Sick Leave in Kuwait
✔ Employees are entitled to paid sick leave based on the duration of absence.
✔ Medical certification is required to approve sick leave.
✔ Employers may verify leave authenticity through the Ministry of Health.
✔ Proposed changes in 2025 may remove sick leave conversion to cash or annual leave.
✔ Sahel App enables digital sick leave applications for faster approval.
📌 Tip: Always keep a copy of your medical certificate and ensure it is authenticated if required.
Final Thoughts
Understanding sick leave in Kuwait helps employees protect their rights and avoid salary deductions due to improper documentation. By using digital tools like the Sahel app and staying informed about recent labor law updates, employees can manage their sick leave efficiently.
📢 Stay updated with official labor law announcements to ensure compliance with workplace policies.
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