Public Sector Employees Stranded Abroad Exempted from Work
Kuwait introduces special measure for government workers unable to return due to regional airspace disruptions.
- Publish date: since 2 hour Reading time: two min read
The government of Kuwait has announced that public sector employees stranded abroad due to regional travel disruptions will be exempt from work duties, with the period counted as official service until they are able to return.
The decision was confirmed by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), which said the measure is aimed at supporting government employees who cannot travel back to the country because of airspace closures and exceptional regional circumstances.
In a statement shared on social media, the bureau said it had contacted government ministries, public authorities and institutions to address the situation of employees currently stranded outside Kuwait. The exemption means affected workers will not be required to report to work during their absence.
Officials clarified that the period during which employees are unable to return will be treated as actual working time and recorded as part of their official service until they are able to travel back to Kuwait once airspace reopens or alternative routes become available.
According to the CSB, the exemption period will begin after the end of the employee’s approved leave or after the official holiday following which they were expected to resume duties. The duration will then be determined by the employee’s direct supervisor or a higher-level manager before being referred to the relevant administrative department.
Employees will also need to submit proof confirming that they were outside the country during the disruption so that the time can be officially recorded in the government’s administrative systems.
The move comes as travel across parts of the Middle East continues to face disruption due to regional developments and airspace restrictions, leaving many travellers temporarily unable to return home.
Officials said the decision aims to ease concerns for government workers affected by the situation while ensuring their employment status and service records remain unaffected during the period they are stranded abroad.