Kuwait Govt Implements Reduced Working Hours for Ramadan

Kuwait City: In preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the Kuwaiti government has announced a significant adjustment to working hours for employees across various sectors. Effective immediately, workers will now operate for four hours daily, with additional provisions for grace periods tailored to gender-specific needs.

Under the new guidelines, female employees will enjoy two grace periods of 15 minutes each. These breaks will be strategically placed, with one granted at the start of the workday and another at its conclusion. Male workers, on the other hand, will have a single 15-minute grace period provided in the morning.

This decision follows a meticulous review of employees’ performance evaluations for the year 2023 by the Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector within the Civil Service Commission (CSC). With most ministries, public institutions, and government agencies in Kuwait having finalized their performance assessments, the emphasis was placed on completing these reviews before the commencement of the new budget year on April 1.

To ensure efficiency and flexibility, government departments have been granted the authority to determine suitable work hours and shifts for their respective employees, subject to approval by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Additionally, all employees will be entitled to a 15-minute grace period in the morning, allowing punctual individuals to conclude their workday 15 minutes earlier.

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Moreover, the agreement outlines specific provisions for permissible partial absences during Ramadan, specifying a maximum of two hours and a minimum of one hour.

With these measures in place, the Kuwaiti government aims to accommodate the spiritual observances and traditions of Ramadan while ensuring the continued productivity and well-being of its workforce.