Kuwait exempts stranded government employees from work duties, and counts absences as working time amid regional travel disruptions/representative image
Kuwait has announced a special exemption for government employees who are currently stranded outside the country due to regional airspace closures and travel disruption. The authorities confirmed that the affected public sector workers will be exempted from work duties during their absence, and the time they spend abroad will be counted as official working time until they are able to return.The Kuwait Civil Service Commission announced the decision on Sunday, and said that this measure was taken to address the situation of employees who are unable to return to Kuwait due to exceptional regional circumstances. In a statement shared on social media platform
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According to the authority, the period during which employees remain stranded outside Kuwait will be treated as actual working time. This arrangement will remain in place until they are able to return to the country, either after airspace reopens or through other available travel options.The Civil Service Commission said that it had coordinated with government ministries, public bodies and other state institutions to address the situation and ensure that the affected employees were included in the decision.
This move ensures that public sector employees do not face administrative consequences for circumstances beyond their control while travel routes remain disrupted.The committee also clarified how the exemption would be applied. The duration of the exemption will be determined once the employee’s authorized leave or leave period, during which it was expected to return to Kuwait, officially ends.
The employee’s immediate supervisor or senior manager will review the situation before referring the case to the relevant administrative department for further processing.Employees who want the period of absence to be recognized as official working time must submit documentation confirming that they were outside Kuwait during the travel interruption. This proof will allow the relevant authorities to verify the circumstances and ensure that the exemption is correctly recorded in the government’s automated administrative systems in accordance with established procedures.The measure comes as travel across parts of the region has been affected by airspace closures and wider security developments, leaving some travelers temporarily unable to return to their home countries. The Kuwait Civil Service Commission said that the decision aims to ensure support for government employees affected by these disturbances until normal travel routes are resumed and they are able to return to the country.