Kuwait’s E-Permit Exit Regulation: Expat Workers Required to Obtain Employer Approval

Kuwait has introduced a new electronic exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector, marking a significant change in its labor and travel regulations. Starting July 1, 2025, foreign employees will need prior approval from their employers to travel abroad. This initiative, launched by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), aims to enhance the country’s digital transformation and reform its labor market. The system has already seen a robust response, with over 36,000 applications submitted shortly after its launch.

Obtaining the Permit

Under the new regulations, expatriate workers must apply for an electronic exit permit before traveling. The application process is facilitated through the Sahel Individuals mobile app, while employers must approve requests via the As-hal Companies portal. This requirement emphasizes the role of employers in managing their employees’ travel plans. The system is designed to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained efficiently, thereby streamlining the exit process for expatriates.

The PAM has highlighted that this electronic system will operate around the clock, including weekends, to provide easy access for users. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency in the labor market and protect the rights of workers. By implementing this system, Kuwait aims to create a more organized framework for managing expatriate labor, aligning its practices with those of other Gulf nations that have similar regulations.

Day One of the System

On the first day of the new exit permit requirement, operations at Kuwait International Airport proceeded smoothly. The inaugural flight under this new regulation, an Air India service to India, departed on time at 12:45 AM, followed by another flight to the same destination. Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Interior, coordinated closely with airlines to ensure that the transition to the new system did not disrupt airport operations. Despite the busy summer travel season, the implementation of the exit permit did not lead to any delays or complications for travelers.

This successful launch reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining efficient travel processes while enforcing new regulations. The seamless operation on the first day suggests that the necessary preparations were in place to accommodate the changes, ensuring that expatriate workers could travel without hindrance.

Airlines Alerting Passengers

In light of the new regulations, airlines have begun issuing advisories to expatriate travelers, emphasizing the importance of having the mandatory exit permit before check-in. Passengers are warned that failure to present the approved permit will result in flight cancellations, with no refunds or alternative bookings provided. This strict enforcement underscores the significance of compliance with the new rules.

Travelers are advised to verify several key documents before heading to the airport, including a valid passport, a valid visa, and the employer-approved electronic exit permit. This proactive approach aims to minimize confusion and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order prior to travel. The new regulation not only aligns Kuwait with its Gulf neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, but also reinforces the existing sponsorship-based residency system, which grants employers considerable control over foreign workers’ legal status.

Concerns and Future Implications

While the exit permit system is intended to improve labor market management, it has raised concerns among human rights organizations. Critics argue that the new regulations may further tighten employer control over expatriate workers, potentially restricting their freedom of movement. The introduction of this system comes alongside other immigration reforms, including stricter penalties for violations and increased minimum salary requirements for family visa sponsorship.

The new electronic exit permit system was established through a ministerial directive from Sheikh Fahad Yousef, the first deputy prime minister. As Kuwait continues to evolve its labor policies, the balance between regulation and the rights of expatriate workers remains a critical issue. The government’s efforts to modernize its labor market will be closely monitored by both local and international observers as the implications of these changes unfold.

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