English version of exit permit launched in Sahel app

The English version of the exit permit service has been launched on the Sahel App to further streamline labor mobility and enhancing regulatory oversight.

Kuwait has officially launched a mandatory digital exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector, (Article 18) which goes into effect on July 1, 2025. All non-Kuwaiti employees must obtain an employer-approved exit permit through the government’s Sahel mobile application before departing the country.

Holders of Article 18 visa have to log in to their Sahel app, go to the services section and then click on the Public Authority of Manpower section where a link to the Expatriate Workers Services section will appear.

Users can then enter the departure and arrival dates and then submit the application. As soon as the sponsor approves the details a notification will appear on the app and a hard copy of the application can be downloaded and printed.

Since the launch of the app PAM has reported more than 30,000 electronic transactions daily and the number is expected to increase with the launch of the English version of the app.