Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait City
Kuwait City, Jul 3: Just days after implementing a sweeping new regulation for private-sector expatriates, Kuwait has already issued more than 35,000 exit permits under its freshly launched approval system. The rule, which took effect on July 1, 2025, mandates that all expats employed in the private sector must now obtain employer consent before traveling abroad — a major development in the country’s ongoing labour and residency reforms.
Driven by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf, the reform aims to streamline exit procedures while tightening compliance with labour laws. According to Marzouq Al Otaibi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), all permits so far have been issued through verified employer-authorized platforms — notably the Sahel mobile app and Ashal manpower portals — which operate 24/7 for both workers and employers.
The process is designed for speed and ease: expatriates input their personal and travel details through electronic forms, employers approve the request online, and permits are issued instantly. Valid for seven days, these permits can be printed or shown digitally at immigration checkpoints. In special situations — such as emergencies or technical difficulties — employers can apply on behalf of their staff.
The system is built with key safeguards in place. Should an employer unjustifiably deny or delay approval, the expat has the right to lodge a formal complaint with PAM’s labour relations unit. Authorities have also clarified that there is no restriction on how many exit permits a worker may request annually, as long as they receive employer approval each time.
Authorities emphasize that the system is not meant to create unnecessary hurdles but to promote accountability and order within Kuwait’s labour framework. As Al Otaibi explained, the objective is to protect the rights of both employers and employees while curbing misuse of travel privileges or undocumented departures.
The swift uptake — with over 35,000 permits issued in just a few days — suggests that expats are adapting quickly to the new regulation. Officials have urged workers to apply well in advance of travel and take full advantage of the digital tools designed to simplify the process.
In essence, Kuwait’s new exit permit policy represents more than a regulatory update — it marks a digital-first, fairness-oriented step toward modernising labour governance. With active support mechanisms and transparency built in, the initiative is designed not only to ensure legal compliance but to uphold the dignity and mobility of the country’s expatriate workforce.