Private sector workers require permit to exit Kuwait from July 1

In a move aimed at tightening regulatory oversight of labor mobility and reinforce the balance between workers’ rights and employer obligations, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has issued a ministerial circular mandating that all expatriate workers in the private sector (under Article 18) must obtain an exit permit from their employer before departing the country.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) confirmed that the new regulation, effective July 1, 2025, is part of wider efforts to improve the labor environment and reduce legal violations associated with uncoordinated worker departures.

According to the circular, expatriates must submit a travel request to their employer — outlining personal details and intended departure date — using an official PAM-approved form. The application process is entirely electronic and facilitated through the ‘Sahel Individuals’ app or the ‘Ashal Manpower Portal.’ Once submitted, employers must approve the request through their own channels — either the ‘Sahel Business’ app or the ‘Ashal – Companies’ portal. In emergency cases or for workers unable to use the application, employers can file on their behalf.

The approved permit, once issued, must be printed and presented at border checkpoints, where it will be scanned via barcode. The new procedure does not interfere with the worker’s approved leave duration and does not impose a limit on the number of exit permits issued annually, provided employer approval is granted.

The PAM emphasized that the exit permit service is available around the clock, including on public holidays, and is designed to be quick, user-friendly, and free of bureaucratic hurdles.

Acting Director-General of PAM, Marzouq Al-Otaibi, explained that the time required to obtain a permit depends on how swiftly the employer approves the request. He encouraged workers to apply well in advance of travel and to communicate directly with employers in urgent cases.

Should an employer act arbitrarily, refuse, or obstruct the leave process, workers have the right to file a formal complaint with the Labor Relations Unit aligned with their company’s file, in accordance with legal procedures. Only accredited authorized signatories registered with PAM may approve exit permits. However, a recent update to the Ashal platform allows designated employer representatives to issue permits, offering flexibility and reducing dependence on a single individual.

A security source noted that the General Administration of Ports Affairs is convening a meeting to finalize implementation details and determine the permit’s validity period.

The government views this policy as a critical step toward modernizing the labor system, enhancing transparency, and fostering accountability within Kuwait’s private sector employment landscape.

Steps to issue an exit permit

• Submit an exit permit request to the employer, complete with personal data and the specified travel date, via the ‘Sahel’ app or the ‘Ashal’ portal.
• Upload the electronic signature of the employer
• Approval of the request from the authority and notification via ‘Sahel’ or approval via the ‘Ashal’ portal.
• The ‘barcode’ appears on the form and is submitted by phone or in paper form at the ports.

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.