Happy New Year!

I am wishing all my readers and their families a Happy New Year. Some of us take this time to look back on our accomplishments and failures, our strengths and weaknesses, and plan our hopes and aspirations for the New Year.

Overtime

Question: I am working on New Year and New Year’s Eve - am I entitled to overtime?

Fajer: Article 68 of Kuwait labor law states: “Fully-paid official holidays are as follows: a- Hegira New Year: 1 day b- Isra’ and Mi’raj day: 1 day c- Eid Al-Fitr: 3 days d- Waqfat Arafat: 1 day e- Eid Al-Adha: 3 days f- Prophet’s Birthday (Al-Mawlid AlNabawi): 1 day g- National Day: 1 day h- Gregorian New Year: 1 day

In the event where a worker is required to work during any of the above-mentioned holidays, he shall be entitled to double remuneration and an additional day off.”

I think the law is extremely clear that you should be compensated with double your daily wage, which is your monthly salary divided by 26, as well as an additional day off! With that said, should you agree to two days off or three days off for working on Eid, it is up to you. The court always looks at what is best for the employees and some employees prefer off days instead of overtime. One day off

Question: I understand that in Kuwait we only have one day off for New Year and not New Year’s Eve - is this correct?

Fajer: Yes, as mentioned above, the Gregorian New Year is one day off, but because this year the day off is on Monday, and because Sunday is a day between two off days, many private and public corporations and organizations gave the day off.

I hope the above was helpful. Again, I hope you have a wonderful New Year. Should you have any questions or concerns, or require a consultation, please email me at ask@fajerthelawyer.com.