Frequently Asked Questions


Is the official work leave for the private sector as well, or is it only for the public sector?

The official work leave is for the public sector. The Private sector has the right to decide whether to grant leave or not, while adhering to the Council of Ministers decisions regarding the suspension of some institutions.

If an employee was already on leave during this period, will it be deducted from his annual leave balance?

As per the Council of Ministers decision to declare an official work leave, the employees leave credit will be added back to their annual leave balance for the period from 12/3 till 26/3.

What are the official institutions which will continue functioning during this period?

The official institutions which will continue working are as determined by each Minister with regards to their affiliated entities, while in accordance with public work interest, and without conflicting with the purpose of the Council of Ministers declaring this period an official work leave.

When will flights be suspended for all countries ?

The suspension of all commercial flights to and from Kuwait International Airport will begin on Friday 11:59 PM and will continue until further notice, while restricting arrivals to Kuwaiti Citizens and their first-degree relatives, and with the exception of cargo planes.

What is the reason behind these decision declarations made by the Council of Ministers?

All decisions and procedures declared today are precautionary and proactive measures in facing the Coronavirus Pandemic. They are technical and necessary measures in protecting the health of citizens and residents, and to keep the general health status under control.
In line with the complete transparency approach taken by the State of Kuwait, the Ministry of Health conducts a daily press conference to announce confirmed cases infected with Coronavirus, while simultaneously announcing them through the official Ministry of Health social media accounts.

Will the school year be cancelled?

The Council of Ministers has not issued a decision regarding the cancellation of the school year.

Have co-operative societies and other shopping centers been closed?

The Minister of Commerce and Industry has stated that Co-ops are operational throughout their working hours. The Minister has also reassured all citizens and residents that the State’s strategic reserve is strong and that there is no need for panic or to purchase far more than needed. It is worth noting that Supply Centers (Tamween) are open daily from 8am to 10pm to all citizens.

Will Banks be operating during this Official Work Leave?

Banks will be closed until 26/3/2020 - However, each Bank will have 1 branch open per Governorate.

How will Kuwaiti Travelers be able to return?

Kuwait International Airport will receive flights returning Kuwaitis and their relatives of the 1st Degree.

Will Shopping Malls be closed?

Yes, it has been decided to close all commercial complexes and malls according to the decision by the Council of Ministers.

Are restaurants closed? And what about delivery services?

Food delivery is available in addition to ordering for pick-up from the restaurant directly. However, sitting and dining in the restaurant is not allowed to avoid public gatherings.

What are the measures taken regarding Kuwaiti students studying abroad?

Kuwaiti students abroad can return to Kuwaiti should they decide to. In coordination with their respective Embassy, they along with relatives of the 1st degree can return on flights to Kuwait International Airport.

‏Are women’s salons closing ?

Yes, it has been decided to close all gyms, spas and women’s beauty salons and men according to the decision by the Council of Ministers on March 14-2020

Will all State Ministries stop working?

All government entities will adhere to the official work leave while in accordance with public work interest, and without conflicting with the purpose of the Council of Ministers declaring this period an official work leave.

Will Treatment Abroad processing be postponed?

With regards to Treatment Abroad, the Ministry of Health has announced to all its employees that their work continues during the official work leave period.

Will job application submissions through the Civil Service Commission be on hold?

Job application submissions through the Civil Service Commission will continue via their official website.

Will Health Clinics be closed?

All Health Clinics will remain open.

Will the official work leave affect Airport Customs?

ِAll customs clearance points, in addition to maritime customs, will be operating as normal.

In light of the Banks being on leave for 2 weeks, will Salaries be deposited on time?

Banks will be closed from 12/3/2020 until 26/3/2020 only, and the relevant government entity will task expert employees to prepare and deposit salaries for the month of March on their usual dates for all government entities, as stated in the Civil Service Commission's guideline number 7/2020.