In a significant move to safeguard public sector workers’ rights, Kuwait has approved a directive allowing female government employees who have lost their citizenship under Article (8) of the nationality law to retain their full employment entitlements.

The Civil Service Bureau confirmed the directive through a circular sent to all government departments, emphasizing that job security and employee rights will be preserved regardless of the employee's current citizenship status.

 

What the New Directive Covers

Female employees affected by the revocation of citizenship will continue to receive all employment benefits as outlined in civil service regulations. These include:

• Basic salaries and periodic bonuses

• Social and children’s allowances

• Cost-of-living allowances

• Special incentives and bonuses based on job nature

• Reduced working hours where applicable

• Annual, maternity, and sick leave without restrictions

 

Even academic benefits, such as study leave, scholarships, and training opportunities approved before the loss of citizenship, will remain intact.

 

Promotions and Performance-Based Pay Still Apply

The directive ensures that affected employees will continue to benefit from:

• Salary grade promotions

• Job level upgrades

• Performance-related pay raises

 

However, these adjustments will only be processed following formal requests from their respective departments and must align with established administrative procedures.

 

Restrictions on Leadership and Foreign Representation

While the policy extends broad protections, certain roles remain off-limits:

• Supervisory and leadership positions

• Official foreign assignments

• Foreign travel-related allowances

 

These privileges remain exclusive to Kuwaiti nationals, in accordance with national employment and diplomatic policies.

 

Preserving Rights Amid Legal Status Change

The move reflects a broader effort by Kuwait to address the legal ambiguity and social consequences faced by individuals who lose citizenship under Article (8), often due to administrative or legal revisions.

To ensure parity, the directive also upholds access to various field-related allowances, including:

• Shift and night differentials

• Hazard and infection bonuses

• Remote or hardship area stipends

• Housing and food allowances

• Incentives for committee participation and training

 

A Step Toward Inclusive Employment Protections

Though limitations remain on top-tier positions and overseas representation, the ruling has been largely welcomed as a progressive step that balances national policy with human rights considerations—especially for women working in essential public roles.

Legal experts and labor advocates view the decision as a model for how governments can protect employee welfare while managing sensitive issues surrounding citizenship.

 

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