When you need to file a complaint
When your rights as a private-sector or domestic worker are violated — unpaid or repeatedly delayed wages, being denied end-of-service gratuity, leave, or overtime pay, or termination without legitimate cause — the body responsible for hearing your complaint is Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).
- Unpaid wages or repeatedly delayed pay.
- Being denied gratuity, leave, or overtime pay.
- Termination without legitimate cause (arbitrary dismissal).
- The employer not honoring agreed contract terms.
Where to file
Online: PAM offers electronic complaint filing and tracking through its official portal and its "Ashal" e-services portal, without needing to visit an office in person for every step. In person: you can go directly to the reception office of the labor relations department; a legal representative is not required at this initial filing stage.
Documents typically required
- Civil ID or passport/residency proof.
- Signed employment contract.
- Salary statements or proof of the agreed wage.
- Any prior formal warnings or correspondence related to the dispute.
- Other supporting evidence (messages, reports, etc.).
Online filing steps (general outline)
- Log into your account on the PAM portal.
- Select the "register a complaint" labor service.
- Enter your personal details and the employer/company’s details.
- Describe the complaint’s circumstances and reasons in detail.
- Attach supporting documents.
- Submit the complaint electronically.
What happens next
PAM reviews and investigates the complaint. If both parties reach an acceptable settlement, the case closes there. If no settlement is reached, the complaint is referred to the competent labor court for a legal ruling. For domestic workers specifically, all cases where the worker is the plaintiff are exempt from court fees at every level of litigation.
Practical tips before filing
- Document every communication related to your dispute before filing.
- Keep a copy of your employment contract and salary records from the start of employment, not just once a dispute arises.
- Never sign a "final settlement" or release acknowledgment without reading and fully understanding it, since signing can forfeit your right to claim later.
Calculate your own number
Use the free end-of-service calculator to apply these rules to your own salary and dates.
Common questions
- Where do I file a labor complaint in Kuwait?
- With the labor relations department of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), either online through PAM’s e-services portal or in person at the reception office.
- What documents are needed to file a complaint?
- Civil ID or passport/residency proof, the signed employment contract, salary statements, any official correspondence or warnings, and any other supporting evidence.
- What happens after I file a complaint?
- PAM investigates the complaint; if the parties reach a friendly settlement the case closes, and if not, it is referred to the competent labor court.
- Can I track my complaint online?
- Yes, PAM offers electronic services to track a complaint’s status without needing to visit the office in person every time.
Sources
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the Ministry of Interior, or a licensed lawyer.