KUWAIT CITY, April 19: Under the provisions of the Civil Service Law and its accompanying decisions, government employees in Kuwait are entitled to seven distinct types of fully paid leave. These leave categories are designed to support public sector employees during significant life events and special circumstances, ranging from medical and maternity needs to religious obligations and personal emergencies.

1. Medical Companion Leave Abroad: After exhausting regular leave, an employee may be granted special leave with full pay to accompany a patient approved by the Ministry of Public Health for treatment abroad, including the designated companion. This leave covers the treatment period for up to six months and is paid at the beginning of each month. It may be extended once for an additional period of up to six months, but without pay.

2. Hajj Leave: Employees may be granted one month of paid leave once in their career to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

3. Leave for Special Projects: With ministerial approval, employees may receive full-time paid leave to engage in specific artistic, literary, scientific, or athletic projects upon recommendation from the relevant authority. The Civil Service Council, based on a proposal by the Civil Service Bureau, determines the rules for granting such leave.

4. Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to two months of paid maternity leave, which is not deducted from other leave balances, provided that childbirth occurs during this period.

5. Bereavement Leave: In the event of the death of a spouse or a first- or second-degree relative, employees may take up to four days of paid leave.

6. Iddah Leave: A Muslim female employee whose husband passes away is entitled, with ministerial approval, to four months and ten days of paid leave from the date of death.

7. Sick Leave: Employees are eligible for up to 180 days of sick leave annually. From primary healthcare centers, up to 60 non-consecutive days are permitted (a maximum of 7 days per instance), distributed as follows: 15 days with full pay, 15 with half pay, 15 with quarter pay, and 15 unpaid. From accredited hospitals, up to 120 days may be granted: 30 with full pay, 30 with half pay, 30 with quarter pay, and 30 unpaid.

In response to inquiries about the maximum leave duration for employees hospitalized for treatment, work-related injuries, treatment abroad, or incurable diseases where full pay is expected, sources clarified that specialized medical committees evaluate such cases when additional leave beyond standard allowances is required.