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Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait's e-permit exit rule: Expat workers need employer's nod to fly out; how to obtain it?
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
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Private Sector Expats Adjust To Kuwait's New Travel Clearance Rule
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) started enforcing the mandatory electronic travel permit system for private sector expatriate workers on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. According to informed sources, over 36,000 applications were submitted, which reflects strong readiness and widespread use by both employers and workers. The new system requires every expatriate worker under Article 18 of the Foreigners' Residence Law to obtain an electronic travel permit approved in advance by their employer through the 'Sahel Individuals' app. Employers or company sponsors must approve requests via the 'As-hal Companies' service. PAM confirmed that the service operates 24/7, including weekends, and it contributes to Kuwait's comprehensive digital transformation efforts. It affirmed that the new procedure enhances labor market regulation and protects the rights of all parties involved. In a related development, Kuwait International Airport witnessed a busy flow of passengers, with thousands of expatriate workers departing on the first day of implementing the decision amid streamlined procedures characterized by flexibility and smoothness. When the newspaper staff visited the airport on Tuesday, they witnessed heavy congestion. Nevertheless, the aforementioned PAM decision neither posed a restriction nor reduced the number of passengers who typically leave the country during summer to spend their vacation with their families and relatives abroad. The first flight that departed on the day the decision took effect was bound for India via Air India at 12:45 am, followed by another flight to the same destination. A reliable source confirmed to the newspaper that the agencies operating at the airport — including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Interior, along with the airlines — have started implementing an integrated logistical plan to facilitate the departure of passengers; while ensuring the speedy completion of procedures in line with the new decision. The source indicated that the airport witnessed smooth and unhindered departure of passengers, as the relevant authorities are committed to implementing the new decision and providing the best services to passengers. In addition, the source revealed that some airlines issued a warning to work visa holders under Article 18 of the Foreign Residency Law, stressing the need to ensure they obtain an exit permit from their employers before traveling. The source said the airlines have instructed departing passengers who meet the new conditions that failure to obtain an exit permit will result in the cancellation of their flight reservation without any compensation to the passenger. He added that the airlines also pointed out that passengers are responsible for ensuring that their documents, including their passport, visa, and exit permit, are complete, indicating some airlines asked travelers to check their documents before arriving at the airport in order to avoid flight cancellations.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman urges vigilance against human trafficking
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development, in coordination with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, organised a workshop on Tuesday aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking, strengthening victim support mechanisms, and promoting community cooperation in addressing the issue. The workshop on 'Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It' brought together child protection delegates, supervisors at the Protection Home, ministry customer service staff, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police involved in anti-trafficking efforts. A ministry official said the workshop formed part of broader efforts to enhance public awareness and coordination among key stakeholders. 'The workshop focused on recognising signs of trafficking and improving the way we support victims,' the official stated. The programme included four working papers. In the first, the Royal Oman Police outlined common indicators of trafficking, including deprivation of liberty or official documents, labour law violations, forced begging, the presence of women and children in inappropriate locations, physical abuse, poor living conditions, lack of communication, breaches of the Foreigners' Residence Law, money laundering, illegal immigration, and migrant smuggling. The second paper, presented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, explained the committee's mandate, including the preparation of a national action plan. It highlighted the importance of introducing clear controls and procedures, developing rehabilitation programmes for victims, and improving coordination with border and transport authorities. The committee also addressed the local and international implications of human trafficking. The Ministry of Labour (MoL) presented the third paper, detailing its role in identifying cases of forced or compulsory labour. It described such cases as involving work performed under threat and without voluntary consent. Warning signs included unpaid wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without pay, threats of deportation, abuse, restricted movement, and illegal employment of minors. The final paper reviewed Oman's legal framework for addressing trafficking, with reference to the Basic Law of the State issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2021. It affirmed guarantees of personal liberty, human dignity, and the right to a secure life, while reiterating Oman's commitment to international agreements and anti-trafficking standards. Authorities said the workshop is part of an ongoing effort to improve early detection, ensure more effective victim support, and strengthen enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
