Newly introduced ‘Exit Permit’ for Article 18 workers valid for seven days

The Public Authority for Manpower has officially launched two new digital services to facilitate exit permit requests for private sector expatriate workers holding Article (18) residency, in line with recent government regulations.

The new services — available through the “Sahel” mobile app and the Authority’s “Ashal” e-portal — allow workers to electronically request exit permits from their employers. Employers, in turn, can review and approve these requests via the “Sahel/Business” app.

According to informed sources, once approved, the permit must be used within a maximum of 7 days from the date of issuance.

This move comes in implementation of Ministerial Circular No. 2 of 2025, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.

The circular mandates that all expatriate workers in the private sector must secure an exit permit from their employer before leaving Kuwait, effective July 1.

The authority emphasized that this step aims to streamline procedures and strengthen oversight, ensuring compliance with labor and residency regulations.