Why Exit Permits of Expats for Employers in Kuwait Important

30/06/2025

Why Exit Permits of Expats for Employers in Kuwait Important

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Kuwait government's new regulation requiring all expatriates working in the private sector under Article 18 residency to obtain an official exit permit before leaving the country will take effect tomorrow (July 1) and is part of the government’s broader effort to tighten labor market regulations and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

The new rule has received a mixed response. Many employers support the regulation, citing improved business oversight and reduced employee absenteeism, as well as helping to prevent expatriates with financial responsibilities from suddenly leaving the country without informing the company. However, some warn it could increase administrative burdens. Expatriate workers have expressed concern that the rule may lead to excessive restrictions, with some calling for greater government oversight and a more flexible implementation framework to prevent misuse or unnecessary delays.

Under the new system, expatriate workers will no longer be allowed to travel outside Kuwait (whether temporarily or permanently) without the explicit approval of their employer. Authorities said the move aims to prevent workers with pending financial or legal responsibilities from departing the country without fulfilling their obligations.

According to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the policy is designed to regulate expatriate departures, protect the rights of both employers and employees, and reduce violations involving workers exiting the country without proper authorization.

While government sector employees in Kuwait have long been required to obtain travel approval from their respective ministries, this is the first time a similar requirement is being extended to the private sector on a large scale.

To apply for an exit permit, workers must use their civil ID and personal details via the Sahel mobile application or PAM’s Ashal portal. Employers, on the other hand, will process approvals through the Sahel-Business app or the same portal. The system automatically verifies the employer-employee relationship before issuing the permit electronically.

Officials have confirmed that the digital permit system will operate 24/7, including on weekends and public holidays, to avoid delays. In the event of an emergency or if technical issues arise, workers are advised to visit the nearest manpower authority branch for assistance. Employers may also authorize representatives to approve travel requests on their behalf. In general, the exit permit has to be applied on the Sahel app between 7 days to 24 hrs before departure.

The regulation marks another step in Kuwait’s drive to digitize residency and labor services while strengthening regulatory oversight of its large expatriate workforce.