How much notice do I give when I resign in Kuwait?

Open-ended contracts

Either side may end an open-ended contract after giving the other written notice (Art. 44):

• Paid a monthly wage: at least 3 months before the contract ends.
• Paid any other way: at least 1 month before.

These are minimums. Your contract can ask for more, so check it first.

Counting the months

Count calendar months from the day you hand in the letter.

Three months is a long time. Agree your new start date with your new employer before you resign.

If you skip the notice

The side that does not respect the notice pays the other a notice allowance. It equals your wage for the same period (Art. 44).

Ask your employer whether it will agree to an earlier last day. Get the answer in writing.

Fixed-term contracts

Ending a fixed-term contract early without a right is different. The side that ends it pays for the damage it causes (Art. 47).

That cannot be more than your wage for the rest of the term.

Probation

Probation lasts up to 100 working days. During it, you or your employer can end the contract with no notice (Art. 32).

When you can go without notice

Article 48 lets you leave without notice and keep your full indemnity in listed cases:

• Your employer does not keep to the contract or the law.
• Your employer assaults you.
• The work puts your health at serious risk, as a medical committee finds.
• You were hired through fraud.
• Your employer accused you of something and you were acquitted.
• Your employer commits an immoral act against you.

Your indemnity when you resign

From an open-ended contract, resigning keeps nothing under 3 years. Then half, two thirds from 5 years and all of it from 10 (Art. 53).

Serving your notice adds to your service. If you are close to 3, 5 or 10 years, see whether the notice takes you past the line.

Your pay during the notice

You keep working and are paid as normal. Wages must not be paid later than 7 days after their due date (Art. 56).