Leaving Kuwait? What expats need to know about the new exit permit rule
Kuwait
has officially begun enforcing a mandatory electronic travel permit system for private sector expatriates under Article 18 of the Foreigners' Residence Law. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) launched the system on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in Kuwait's push for digital transformation and labour market regulation.
Within hours of launch, more than 36,000 applications were submitted, indicating broad awareness and readiness from employers and workers alike.
How the New Rule Works
Under the new regulation:
Expat workers must obtain an exit permit electronically, approved by their employer or sponsor.
Workers must apply via the "
Sahel Individuals
" app.
Employers must process approvals using the "As-hal Companies" portal.
The PAM has made the system operational 24/7, including weekends, to ensure round-the-clock accessibility. Officials stated the rule aims to enhance transparency, protect worker rights, and streamline travel logistics in the private labour sector.
First Day of Implementation at Kuwait Airport
Despite the new mandate, Kuwait International Airport handled a high volume of summer travel departures smoothly.
The first flight under the new rule departed for India via Air India at 12:45 am, followed by another outbound flight to the same destination.
While the airport experienced heavy congestion, the new regulation did not restrict passenger flow, nor did it delay procedures significantly.
Authorities including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Interior, and various airlines have implemented an integrated logistical plan to ensure seamless departures and reduce wait times.
Airlines Issue Warnings on Compliance
Airlines have begun issuing advisories to work visa holders, reminding them that:
Failure to secure an employer-approved exit permit will result in cancellation of their flight reservation.
No compensation or alternative bookings will be provided in such cases.
Passengers are fully responsible for checking all documents including:
Passport validity
Visa status
Approved exit permit
Some airlines are requesting travellers to verify all documents before arriving at the airport to avoid complications and potential cancellations at check-in.
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Time of India
10 hours ago
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Kuwait began enforcing a new electronic exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector, in a move that marks a major shift in the country's labour and travel policies. From July 1, 2025, all foreign employees under Article 18 of the Foreigners' Residence Law must obtain prior approval from their employer to travel abroad. The e-permit system, launched by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), is part of Kuwait's wider digital transformation and labour market reform agenda. Authorities said that the system has seen a strong early response, with more than 36,000 applications submitted within hours of launch, ET reported. Obtaining the permit Under the new rule, expatriate workers in the private sector must secure an electronic exit permit before travelling. The permit must be applied for via the Sahel Individuals mobile app and approved through the As-hal Companies portal. Employers or sponsors are required to review and approve the request through the As-hal Companies portal. Streamlining process The system runs 24/7, including weekends, for ease of access. According to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the regulation is designed to streamline exit procedures, enhance transparency, and safeguard workers' rights. Day one of the system The outbound traffic at Kuwait International Airport remained smooth on the first day of the new exit permit rule. The first flight under the regulation, an Air India service to India, departed at 12:45 am without any delays, followed closely by another India-bound flight. Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ministry of interior, and several airlines, worked in coordination to ensure seamless airport operations. Despite the busy summer travel period, the new rule did not cause any disruptions or delays for departing passengers. Airlines alerting passengers Airlines have started issuing advisories, warning expatriate travellers on work visas that flight bookings will be cancelled if the mandatory exit permit is missing at check-in. In such cases, no refunds or alternate bookings will be offered, as per ET. Passengers are being urged to confirm the following before heading to the airport: Valid passport Valid visa Employer-approved electronic exit permit The regulation aligns Kuwait with Gulf neighbours like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, which already operate similar systems, as per AFP. The new regulation also strengthened the existing sponsorship-based residency system, where employers hold significant control over various aspects of a foreign worker's legal status. It was introduced via a ministerial directive issued by first deputy prime minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef. The e-permit system comes amid a wave of new immigration laws passed in late 2024, which include tighter penalties for violations, contract limits, and a ban on deducting administrative fees from salaries. Kuwait has also raised the minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family visas to KD 800 per month. Although the exit permit system is intended to promote more organised labour market management, some human rights groups have expressed concerns that it could further tighten employer control and restrict workers' freedom of movement. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
18 hours ago
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Leaving Kuwait? What expats need to know about the new exit permit rule
Kuwait begins enforcing mandatory electronic exit permits for private sector expats, with smooth departures reported on launch day/Representative Image Kuwait has officially begun enforcing a mandatory electronic travel permit system for private sector expatriates under Article 18 of the Foreigners' Residence Law. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) launched the system on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in Kuwait's push for digital transformation and labour market regulation. Within hours of launch, more than 36,000 applications were submitted, indicating broad awareness and readiness from employers and workers alike. How the New Rule Works Under the new regulation: Expat workers must obtain an exit permit electronically, approved by their employer or sponsor. Workers must apply via the " Sahel Individuals " app. Employers must process approvals using the "As-hal Companies" portal. The PAM has made the system operational 24/7, including weekends, to ensure round-the-clock accessibility. Officials stated the rule aims to enhance transparency, protect worker rights, and streamline travel logistics in the private labour sector. First Day of Implementation at Kuwait Airport Despite the new mandate, Kuwait International Airport handled a high volume of summer travel departures smoothly. The first flight under the new rule departed for India via Air India at 12:45 am, followed by another outbound flight to the same destination. While the airport experienced heavy congestion, the new regulation did not restrict passenger flow, nor did it delay procedures significantly. Authorities including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Interior, and various airlines have implemented an integrated logistical plan to ensure seamless departures and reduce wait times. Airlines Issue Warnings on Compliance Airlines have begun issuing advisories to work visa holders, reminding them that: Failure to secure an employer-approved exit permit will result in cancellation of their flight reservation. No compensation or alternative bookings will be provided in such cases. Passengers are fully responsible for checking all documents including: Passport validity Visa status Approved exit permit Some airlines are requesting travellers to verify all documents before arriving at the airport to avoid complications and potential cancellations at check-in.
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