Kuwait Maternity Leave 2026: 70 Days Full Pay, Plus Unpaid Childcare Leave
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Kuwait's Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 gives working mothers 70 days of fully paid maternity leave, with a generous option to extend afterward.
70 days, full pay
Under Article 24, you get 70 days at full (100%) pay around the time of childbirth. This is entirely separate from — and doesn't eat into — your other leave entitlements like annual leave.
An extra 4 months, unpaid, if you want it
Once your 70 days end, you can ask your employer for a further unpaid childcare leave of up to 4 months. Importantly, this unpaid time still counts toward your length of service — relevant to your eventual end-of-service indemnity.
Nursing breaks for 2 years
After you return to work, you're entitled to a 2-hour paid nursing break every day, for up to 2 years.
Job protection
Termination during maternity leave, or because of pregnancy or a pregnancy-related illness, is unlawful.
Worked example
KWD 500/month wage: daily wage = 500 ÷ 26 = KWD 19.2. Over the 70-day leave: 70 × 19.2 ≈ KWD 1,346 total, at full pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of paid maternity leave do I get in Kuwait?
70 days at full pay, under Article 24 of Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, taken around the time of childbirth.
Does taking maternity leave in Kuwait reduce my annual leave?
No — the 70-day maternity leave is separate from and doesn't reduce your other leave entitlements, such as annual leave.
Can I take more time off after my 70 days of maternity leave in Kuwait?
Yes — at your request, your employer may grant a further unpaid leave of up to 4 months for childcare. That unpaid time still counts toward your length of service and eventual gratuity.
Do I get paid nursing breaks after returning to work in Kuwait?
Yes — a 2-hour paid nursing break each day, for up to 2 years after you return from maternity leave.