No Travelling Out Of Kuwait Without an Exit Permit: New Rule for Expats

11/06/2025

No Travelling Out Of Kuwait Without an Exit Permit: New Rule for Expats

KUWAIT CITY, June 11: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah issued a ministerial circular requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an ‘exit permit’ from their registered employers before leaving Kuwait. The Public Authority for Manpower confirmed that the implementation of this regulation will require exit permits to include the worker’s personal details, travel date, and mode of transportation.

The completed permit must be submitted electronically through a designated platform (SAHEL APP or the PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF MANPOWER WEBSITE) to streamline processing and maintain accuracy. Authorities emphasized that the new system is designed to ensure that departures are conducted legally, protect all parties involved, and reduce incidents of workers leaving without proper notification. Both employers and expatriate workers are urged to strictly adhere to this requirement, as enforcement of the regulation is set to begin from 1st July

PURPOSE OF THE DECISION

Ensure balance between employer and worker rights
Enhance legal compliance and oversight
Prevent illegal departures without employer notification
Support labor market organization efforts

WHO MUST COMPLY?

All expatriate workers registered under the private sector
Applies to workers intending to leave Kuwait temporarily or permanently

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE EXIT PERMIT

Submit request using CIVIL ID number
Use the SAHEL APP or the PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF MANPOWER WEBSITE
Request must be made BEFORE TRAVEL

IMPORTANT NOTES

The system automatically verifies employer-employee matching
If inconsistencies are found, the case is referred to specialized departments

IMPLEMENTATION STARTS: JULY 2025