Kuwait introduces mandatory exit permit for private sector expatriate workers starting July 1, 2025

In a move to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure a fair balance between the rights of expatriate workers and employers, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has issued a ministerial circular mandating exit permits for private sector expatriate workers before traveling abroad.

The Public Authority for Manpower announced that, in line with the new directive, expatriate workers must submit a formal request for an exit permit to their employer.

This request must include personal details and the intended date of travel, using an official form approved by the Authority. The entire process will be conducted electronically via a dedicated platform designed to streamline and expedite permit approvals, reports Al-Anba daily.

The Authority explained that the policy aims to regulate the departure of expatriate workers, ensure legal compliance, safeguard the rights of all parties, and minimize incidents of workers leaving the country without prior notification.

Employers and expatriate workers have been urged to adhere strictly to this new procedure, which is part of broader governmental efforts to modernize and improve the work environment in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the MOI website said, the expatriate workers must submit exit permit requests to their employers, including their personal information and the specific travel date using the official form approved by PAM. These requests will be submitted electronically via the designated platform to ensure speed and accuracy in processing.

The Al-Jarida daily said, official sources at the Public Authority for Manpower revealed that obtaining permits will be easier through the authority’s automated platform, confirming that approvals will also be automated for business owners.

“We assure expatriate workers that approvals will not take long and will not cause them any difficulty. They will appear the moment the application is approved by the employer,” said a PAM source.

The sources emphasized that the service is available 24 hours a day and covers all job titles and professions.

The sources added, “There is more than one website to receive applications through Sahel or the (Easel Manpower Portal) website.

The application is submitted and approved by the employer through “Sahel Business” or the “Easel” service for the Authority’s private companies.

The employer can also apply for the service on behalf of the workers in emergency cases or for simple workers who do not have the Sahel application.”

The circular will officially take effect on July 1, 2025.