What is the primary concern raised by Kuwait's Interior Minister?

The minister's primary concern is the delayed payment of wages to expatriate workers, especially when Kuwaiti employees receive their salaries on time, and the negative impact this has on workers' livelihoods and Kuwait's international reputation.

Why is timely wage payment particularly important for expatriate workers now?

Expatriate workers are facing significant financial pressures due to rising food prices and a general increase in the cost of living, while their salaries have not kept pace, making timely payments crucial for their survival.

What are the potential consequences of delayed wage payments according to the minister?

Delayed wage payments can lead to labour unrest, worker protests, and damage Kuwait's international standing, as well as being linked to issues like human trafficking and money laundering.

What action is the minister taking to address this issue?

The minister has been personally contacting employers to verify salary payments and is advocating for the strict enforcement of labour laws and regulations to ensure all workers are paid without delay.

Who is responsible for ensuring fair treatment and timely payments for all employees?

The minister stressed that employers bear the primary responsibility for treating every employee fairly and fulfilling their obligations to staff, regardless of nationality.

All news

Economy·25 October 2026

Kuwait Interior Minister Warns Employers Over Unpaid Expatriate Wages Amid Rising Costs

Kuwait's Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has strongly urged employers to ensure timely wage payments for all workers, especially expatriates, warning that delayed salaries and rising living costs could lead to

Kuwait's Interior Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has issued a stern warning to employers regarding the timely payment of wages, particularly for expatriate workers. He criticised companies for prioritising salaries for Kuwaiti employees while delaying payments to foreign staff, emphasising that fair treatment must apply to everyone.

Minister Calls for Fairness and Accountability

During a meeting with business representatives, Sheikh Fahad challenged a prominent business figure on this practice, questioning why compassion should be reserved solely for Kuwaiti citizens. He stressed that employers are responsible for treating all employees fairly and fulfilling their obligations, highlighting accountability not just under law but also morally.

Labour Laws and Economic Pressures

The minister insisted on the strict enforcement of labour laws to ensure workers receive their salaries without delay. Drawing on his two and a half years in office, he identified unpaid wages as a primary cause of labour strikes and protests. Sheikh Fahad noted his personal involvement in verifying salary payments, rather than relying solely on reports from government bodies like the Public Authority for Manpower.

He also addressed the increasing financial burden on expatriate workers due to rising food prices and the overall cost of living, which have outpaced salary increases. "How are they supposed to survive? Where is your compassion?" he asked, urging employers to act promptly to resolve wage disputes before they escalate into public demonstrations. The minister warned that practices such as human trafficking, money laundering, and unpaid wages could significantly undermine Kuwait's international standing.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the primary concern raised by Kuwait's Interior Minister?: The minister's primary concern is the delayed payment of wages to expatriate workers, especially when Kuwaiti employees receive their salaries on time, and the negative impact this has on workers' livelihoods and Kuwait's international reputation.
Why is timely wage payment particularly important for expatriate workers now?: Expatriate workers are facing significant financial pressures due to rising food prices and a general increase in the cost of living, while their salaries have not kept pace, making timely payments crucial for their survival.
What are the potential consequences of delayed wage payments according to the minister?: Delayed wage payments can lead to labour unrest, worker protests, and damage Kuwait's international standing, as well as being linked to issues like human trafficking and money laundering.
What action is the minister taking to address this issue?: The minister has been personally contacting employers to verify salary payments and is advocating for the strict enforcement of labour laws and regulations to ensure all workers are paid without delay.
Who is responsible for ensuring fair treatment and timely payments for all employees?: The minister stressed that employers bear the primary responsibility for treating every employee fairly and fulfilling their obligations to staff, regardless of nationality.

Reported by

Gulf News — Property

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

Echoes, in your inbox

One thoughtful email a month. Market insight, new launches, no spam.