Unpaid Salary in Kuwait? File a Complaint via PAM — Online or In-Person

Workers in Kuwait who have not been paid on time can file a labour complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the government agency handling private-sector employment disputes. Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 requires employers to pay wages on schedule and bars delays of more than seven days after the due date.

To process a complaint, start with documentation. Workers should secure their employment contract, bank statements, payslips, Civil ID, and any messages showing that they raised the unpaid salary with their employer or human resources office.

The legal basis is Article 56 of Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, which covers wage payment for private-sector workers. PAM also provides an electronic service for workers to register labour-dispute complaints and follow their status through its official website.

When to File a Complaint

A worker may file with PAM once the salary remains unpaid beyond the seven-day grace period following the agreed payment date.

  • Keep a record of the last salary received and the months still unpaid.
  • Save bank statements showing no salary credit on the expected dates.
  • Keep written messages, emails, or letters sent to the employer about the delay.
  • Prepare a short summary of the amount owed and the payment dates missed.

Bank records are often the clearest proof because they show whether the employer transferred the salary. Written communication is also important, especially if the employer admitted the delay or promised payment.

How to File With PAM

Workers may submit a complaint in person at a PAM office or through the agency’s online services. After filing, PAM issues a reference number that the worker should keep for follow-up.

  • Submit the complaint with all supporting documents.
  • Attend the mediation session scheduled by PAM.
  • Present the evidence and explain the unpaid months.
  • Follow any settlement or payment arrangement reached during mediation.
  • Ask about a Labour Court referral if mediation fails.

If the employer does not attend the PAM session, the agency may record the non-appearance and refer the dispute to the Labour Court. Workers should still attend and bring their documents, even if the employer is absent.

Resigning Over Unpaid Salary

A worker may resign because of prolonged non-payment, but the reason must be documented. A resignation letter that clearly states the salary arrears, along with a PAM complaint record, can help support a claim for end-of-service benefits at the full termination rate.

Without proof, an employer may argue that the resignation was voluntary, which could affect the amount of end-of-service benefits. Workers should avoid resigning hastily and should first seek advice from PAM, their embassy, or a labour lawyer.

What Can Be Claimed

Depending on the employment contract and circumstances, a worker may raise the following in a PAM complaint or Labour Court case:

  • Unpaid basic salary
  • Withheld contractual allowances, such as housing or transport pay
  • End-of-service benefits, if resignation was caused by non-payment
  • Notice-period pay, where applicable
  • Payment for unused accrued annual leave

Bonuses and incentives may be harder to claim unless the contract clearly guarantees them. Workers should check the exact wording of their contract before including these items in a complaint.

Visa Cancellation and Retaliation

A worker should not be pressured to withdraw a complaint through threats of visa cancellation. If residency status changes after a complaint is filed, the worker should report it to PAM immediately and bring evidence such as a screenshot of the residency record.

Workers facing unpaid salaries should act early, keep every record, and use official government channels. A well-documented complaint gives PAM and the Labour Court a clearer picture of the dispute and helps protect the worker’s rights. Workers should also keep copies of their passport, Civil ID, complaint reference number, and correspondence with the employer. These records can help authorities assess whether retaliation occurred.

This post from PAM details how they intervene when they receive complaints regarding unpaid salaries and withheld passports: