Kuwait grants up to 12 months paid leave for employees accompanying family members abroad

Dubai: Kuwait has introduced new measures allowing government employees to take extended paid leave to accompany family members receiving medical treatment abroad.

The move aims to ease the emotional and financial burdens on families facing long-term healthcare challenges.

Under the amendment to Article 45 of the Civil Service Law, employees can now take up to one year of special leave with full pay to accompany a patient, with confirmation from the Ministry of Health. The new legislation also permits an additional extension of up to six months without pay.

Previously, the maximum paid leave period was limited to six months. The revised policy provides greater support for families during prolonged medical treatments.

In a statement, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health welcomed the Cabinet’s decision, calling it a "humanitarian step" that recognizes the importance of family support in a patient’s recovery.

The ministry highlighted that the previous six-month limit often caused considerable stress for families, disrupting patient care.

The new law, it said, ensures continuity of care and stability throughout the treatment process.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health also emphasized that the amendment aligns with the country’s focus on humanitarian values and family-centered care, placing citizens' welfare at the heart of public policy.