Termination & Notice Periods in Kuwait
What Article 44 requires: how much notice each side owes, paying salary in lieu, and when dismissal without notice is lawful.
For contracts of unlimited duration, Article 44 lets either party end the employment with written notice: at least three months for workers paid monthly, and at least one month for everyone else.
The notice can be bought out — the party ending the contract may pay the other the notice-period salary instead of observing it. Through a worked notice period, salary and benefits continue as normal.
Article 41 lists the narrow cases — such as gross misconduct — where an employer may dismiss without notice or indemnity. Outside those cases, a dismissed worker is owed notice (or pay in lieu) and end-of-service indemnity.
Key facts
- Monthly-paid workers3 months’ written notice
- Other workers1 month’s written notice
- Pay in lieuAllowed — notice-period salary instead
- Dismissal without noticeOnly the Article 41 misconduct cases
- Who can give noticeEither side — employer or worker
Frequently asked questions
How much notice is required to terminate employment in Kuwait?
On an unlimited contract: written notice of at least three months for monthly-paid workers, and at least one month for others. Either party can give it.
Can the employer pay instead of the notice period?
Yes. Either party may replace the notice period with a payment equal to the worker’s salary for that period.
Can I be dismissed without any notice?
Only in the specific cases listed in Article 41 — for example gross misconduct. Dismissal under Article 41 can also forfeit the end-of-service indemnity.
Do I still get indemnity if I resign with notice?
Yes, subject to the service-length tiers: nothing before 3 years of service, half from 3–5 years, two-thirds from 5–10, and the full amount from 10 years.
This guide is general information based on Kuwait Labor Law No. 6 of 2010. It is not legal advice — for specific cases, consult the Public Authority of Manpower or a legal professional.
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