KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Under Circular No. 2/2025 issued recently by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain exit permits from their registered employers before leaving the country (effective from the beginning of this month), more than 100,000 exit permits have been issued to private sector expatriate workers since the implementation of the decision.

Sources said the exit permits are processed through the automated systems of PAM, Ashal platform, and Sahel app, indicating the total number of issued permits is expected to double in the coming days as the travel season gains momentum. Sources disclosed that in order to streamline the process and ensure faster completion of travel procedures, the authority completed an automated link with the Ports Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, thereby ensuring the immediate sharing of exit permit data. Sources added PAM recommends that workers print a hard copy of the permit before traveling, in case it is requested by the airlines.

Sources also affirmed that only a small number of complaints regarding permit issuance have been received so far -- mostly concerning employer delays or refusal, which were promptly addressed and resolved. Sources clarified that in cases where an employer is unreasonably withholding or delaying approval, the affected worker is advised to visit the Labor Relations Unit corresponding to their company’s file to lodge a formal complaint, under legal procedures. They reiterated that approval from the employer remains a requirement for the permit to be issued.

Sources also quoted PAM as saying there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually per worker, as long as the employer approves, adding that the system remains open and unrestricted in this regard. Sources explained that the time needed to obtain a permit ( especially in emergencies) depends primarily on the speed of employer approval. “Therefore, workers are advised to submit their requests well in advance of their travel dates and to coordinate directly with their employers in urgent situations to expedite the process,” sources elaborated.

Sources pointed out that workers can either print the approved permit or present it through the Sahel Individuals app to port authorities. They said the Sahel Individuals app enables workers to submit electronic exit permit requests, while the Sahel Business app allows employers to review and approve these requests quickly and conveniently.