Emergency travel? Employers can submit exit requests 24/7 on behalf of workers

A senior source at the Public Authority for Manpower said the new requirement for private sector expatriate workers to obtain an exit permit before traveling aims to safeguard the rights of both workers and employers.

The measure, set to take effect on July 1, applies to all private sector workers holding residency under Article 18.

According to the source, exit permit requests will be submitted electronically through multiple platforms, including the Sahel App (for workers) and the Ashel Manpower Portal. The process begins with the worker initiating the request, which is then approved by the employer through either Sahel Business or the Ashel portal for companies, reports Al-Rai daily.

The source clarified that in cases of emergency or for workers without access to the Sahel app, employers can submit applications on behalf of their employees. The service is designed to be available 24/7 with no bureaucratic obstacles, especially in urgent situations.

The source emphasized that the employer is responsible for granting final approval for the exit permit, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the system between employees and employers.