Just days after Kuwait introduced a major regulatory shift for private-sector expatriate workers, government authorities have confirmed that more than 35,000 exit permits have already been issued under the new system. The regulation, which officially came into effect on July 1, 2025, mandates that expats employed in the private sector must now obtain prior approval from their employers before traveling abroad.This move is part of a larger reform drive led by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf, aimed at modernizing and enforcing compliance within Kuwait’s labour and residency framework.
A Digitally-Driven System to Manage Exits
According to Marzouq Al Otaibi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), all exit permits issued so far have been processed through official employer-authorized channels. Al Otaibi explained that the new system was developed with a strong focus on efficiency and accessibility. It has been fully digitized and is operational 24/7, allowing both workers and employers to handle requests online.
The platforms used for these transactions include:
- The Sahel mobile app
- The Ashal manpower portal
- Sahel Business and Ashal Corporate interfaces for employers
“We assure expatriate workers that approvals will not take long and will not cause them any difficulty. They will appear the moment the application is approved by the employer,” PAM sources told Times Kuwait.
The exit process also incorporates several key features:
- Electronic forms where expats input personal details and travel information
- Instant digital issuance upon employer approval
- Permits are valid for seven days
- Option to print or display the permit digitally at immigration
For emergencies or cases where the expat cannot access the app, the employer may directly file the request on their behalf. The system has been developed to ensure that legitimate travel needs are not obstructed by technical or procedural barriers.In a circular issued earlier this year, Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf stated:“The exit permit service is available around the clock, including on public holidays, and is designed to be quick, user‑friendly, and free of bureaucratic hurdles.”
Clear Worker Protections Built In
One of the most critical aspects of this regulation is the right to redress in the event of unjustified denial or delay by an employer.If an employer refuses or withholds approval without valid reason, the expatriate can file a formal complaint with the labour relations unit associated with their company.In response to concerns about travel frequency, Al Otaibi clarified that there is no cap or limit on the number of exit permits an expat can receive each year, provided they have employer approval.“The objective is to protect the rights of both employees and employers while maintaining legal order,” Al Otaibi told Arab Times.The system aims to create a balance between employee mobility and employer accountability, while reinforcing Kuwait’s residency and labour law compliance.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for Expats
Here is a simplified walkthrough for private-sector expatriate workers looking to apply for an exit permit:
- Use the Sahel or Ashal app to login
- Fill out the application
- Request for employer approval
- Download or print the permit
- Special cases: If an expat cannot apply online, the employer may apply directly. In case of denial, a complaint may be submitted through PAM’s labour relations department
Expats are strongly advised to apply well ahead of travel to allow sufficient time for processing and employer response.
Why It Matters: Reform With a Human-Centric Focus
The introduction of mandatory exit permits is not merely administrative; it is a reflection of Kuwait’s broader efforts to digitally transform its labour system, enforce accountability, and protect the rights of all parties involved.According to PAM and Ministry of Interior officials, the rule intends to:
- Curb unauthorized or undocumented exits
- Ensure proper documentation of employment status
- Prevent abuse of travel privileges or visa loopholes
- Establish a clear record of expatriate movement tied to the employer-employee relationship
As outlined by PAM in several official communications:“This system is part of Kuwait’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and modernization in all labour-related processes.”The issuance of over 35,000 permits in just a few days highlights how actively expats are engaging with the new regulation. While the rule places added responsibility on both employees and employers, the digital-first, rights-aware structure aims to streamline processes, minimize friction, and improve compliance.With no annual permit limit, a straightforward app-based interface, and an active support mechanism in place for disputes, Kuwait’s exit permit framework represents a significant policy evolution, designed not just for control, but for fairness and accountability.
