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Kuwait's e-permit exit rule: Expat workers need employer's nod to fly out; how to obtain it?
Kuwait's e-permit exit rule: Expat workers need employer's nod to fly out; how to obtain it?

Time of India

time10 hours ago

  • 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

China plays hardball! After choking rare earth magnets supply, China blocks important agriculture-related shipments to India; continues exports to others
China plays hardball! After choking rare earth magnets supply, China blocks important agriculture-related shipments to India; continues exports to others

Time of India

time7 days ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

China plays hardball! After choking rare earth magnets supply, China blocks important agriculture-related shipments to India; continues exports to others

Chinese officials are avoiding inspection of India-bound consignments. (AI image) China has stopped exports of specialty fertilisers to India over the past two months, whilst continuing to supply other countries, according to senior executives at major importing firms. For India, these fertilisers are crucial for enhancing yields of fruits, vegetables and other profitable crops. The Chinese authorities require inspection of factory shipments. Sources familiar with the situation told ET that Chinese officials are avoiding inspection of India-bound consignments, effectively blocking exports through procedural means rather than an explicit prohibition. The technological capability to manufacture speciality fertilisers is currently absent in India, as historically low volumes have made local manufacturing facilities financially unfeasible. This development occurs amid growing diplomatic strains between the nations over the last five years, marked by border conflicts and China's alignment with Pakistan. China blocks fertilizer shipments to India Approximately 80% of India's requirements for these chemical inputs come from Chinese sources. "China has been restricting suppliers of specialty fertilisers to India for the last four to five years. However, this time it is a complete halt," Rajib Chakraborty, president, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA) was quoted as saying. China has implemented restrictions on exporting crucial materials like rare earth magnets, seemingly in response to imposed tariffs and other limitations. For countries sharing a border with India, government authorisation is required for investments, a measure specifically targeting its northern neighbour. China Blocks Speciality Fertilizers Exports To India Industry data suggests that India's typical imports of specialty fertilisers amount to 150,000-160,000 tonnes during the June-December period. Non-subsidised soil nutrients, known as specialty fertilisers, include various categories including water-soluble fertilisers (WSFs), liquid fertilisers for foliar and fertigation, controlled release fertilisers (CRFs), slow-release fertilisers (SRFs), micronutrient fertilisers, fortified fertilisers, customised fertilisers, nano fertilisers, bio-stimulants, organic and other value-added and innovative fertilisers. Speciality fertilisers provide enhanced crop production, maintain soil quality and ensure efficient nutrient utilisation, whilst reducing negative effects on the environment when compared with conventional fertilisers. Also Read | Reducing acute dependence, countering China's near monopoly: India readies Rs 5,000 crore scheme for rare earth minerals According to the Fertilizer Association of India, the Indian micronutrient fertiliser market is projected to surpass $1 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%. The FAI also forecasts that Indian biostimulants will reach $734 million by 2029, with a CAGR of 15.6%, whilst the organic fertiliser sector is expected to expand to $1.13 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 7%. Leading fertiliser organisations including Deepak Fertilizers, Paradeep Fertilizers and Nagarjuna Fertilizer Company are active participants in this market segment. "Specialty fertilisers are now replacing primary fertilisers, thereby increasing their consumption volume," Chakraborty said, adding that a large number of companies are now interested in setting up manufacturing units. Also Read | India bleeds Pakistan dry: Water at 'dead' levels in Pakistan's dams; bigger Indus river plans in the works - top points to know India has the option to look at additional sources for importing these agricultural inputs. "While alternative destinations such as Jordan and Europe can be explored, the challenge is to land these chemicals in time," said a senior official of a multinational fertiliser company. Whilst standard fertilisers like urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP) and muriate of potash (MOP) serve general agricultural needs, speciality fertilisers provide precise nutrient delivery systems tailored to particular requirements. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Hundreds of flights worldwide were grounded over Israel-US-Iran attacks
Hundreds of flights worldwide were grounded over Israel-US-Iran attacks

India Gazette

time7 days ago

  • Business
  • India Gazette

Hundreds of flights worldwide were grounded over Israel-US-Iran attacks

NEW YORK CITY, New York: The escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, compounded by the United States' military involvement, triggered a wave of global air travel disruptions. Since the ceasefire announced on Tuesday, airlines, airports and passengers have been scrambling to get their planning back on track. Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear and military targets. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Hours before the attack, Qatar had already closed its airspace and, along with the U.K., advised citizens to shelter in place. The volatile situation led to a ripple effect across Middle Eastern airspace, prompting temporary airport closures and widespread flight cancellations, especially in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which lie across the Gulf from Iran. Qatar Airways halted flights due to the national airspace shutdown. The airline announced it was working closely with authorities to assist stranded passengers and warned of continued delays even after resuming operations. Additional ground staff were deployed to Hamad International Airport and other hubs to help manage the situation. Emirates suspended all flights to Iran and Iraq, including those to Baghdad and Basra, through June 30. Other routes were rerouted away from conflict zones but remained operational, though some faced delays. Etihad Airways, another primary UAE carrier, suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until mid-July and canceled several flights within the region, including those to Kuwait, Doha, Dammam, and Muscat. Bahrain's Gulf Air extended its suspension of flights to Jordan through June 27, citing passenger safety as its top priority. It pledged to reroute and accommodate travelers as needed. Singapore Airlines also canceled select flights to Dubai, citing a security review, and British Airways suspended service to and from Doha through Wednesday, emphasizing safety as its guiding principle. India's national carrier, Air India, took more drastic action—halting all flights to the Middle East, to and from Europe, and to and from North America that passed through affected airspace. Still reeling from a deadly crash earlier in June, the airline said all India-bound flights from the West were being rerouted for safety. According to FlightAware, there were at least 819 flight cancellations worldwide by June 24. Dubai International Airport had the highest number of disruptions, with 89 cancellations. Air India led all airlines with 40 scrapped flights. Given the Middle East's role as a global transit hub, the impact on international air traffic has been severe. Experts say such measures are necessary to prevent further tragedy. "Countries must ensure their airspace is safe," said Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, who praised Qatar's airspace closure. By Wednesday most airlines had resumed flights to all destinations including Israel and Iran.

Air India Restores Flights To Middle East, Europe & North America As Airspace Reopens
Air India Restores Flights To Middle East, Europe & North America As Airspace Reopens

India.com

time24-06-2025

  • Business
  • India.com

Air India Restores Flights To Middle East, Europe & North America As Airspace Reopens

Air India, on Tuesday, announced the gradual resumption of its flight services to the Middle East, Europe, and North America as certain airspaces in the Middle East begin to reopen following a temporary suspension due to escalating regional tensions. The airline said that most of its operations to and from the Middle East are being restored from today. "As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from June 25," Air India Spokesperson said in a statement shared with IANS. The airline also added that flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from Tuesday, while services to and from the East Coast of the US and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. "Services connecting India with the East Coast of the US and Canada are expected to resume at the earliest possible opportunity," the Spokesperson added. While normal operations are being restored, Air India cautioned that some flights may still face delays or cancellations due to extended flight times and ongoing rerouting. "Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity," it said. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and schedule recovery. "The safety and security of our passengers, staff, and aircraft remain our top priority," said an Air India Spokesperson. Meanwhile, Air India had suspended all flights operating over Middle Eastern airspace after Iran launched missile strikes on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts US military forces. The attack led to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace -- a vital transit corridor for Indian aviation, especially for flights connecting Europe, West Asia, and Africa. In response to the escalation, the airline had also halted services to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe. Several India-bound flights from North America had to be diverted back to their departure points or re-routed to avoid unsafe airspaces. Passengers were urged to bear with the temporary disruption, which the airline described as being beyond its control.

Several Flights To Europe, US Rerouted Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Several Flights To Europe, US Rerouted Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

News18

time24-06-2025

  • Business
  • News18

Several Flights To Europe, US Rerouted Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Last Updated: Tensions in West Asia soared as Iran fired missiles towards US bases in the region, in retaliation for the American strikes on nuclear facilities. Tensions in West Asia skyrocketed after Iran fired ballistic missiles towards US bases in the region in response to the American strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites. The rising regional tensions forced various countries in the region to close their airspaces, prompting several airlines to either divert or cancel their flights. The airlines issued advisories for passengers in the wake of the developments. However, hours later, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, bringing an end to the 12-day hostilities. Israel claimed today that Iran violated the ceasefire. Air India On Monday, Air India had ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect. 'Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins and others are being diverted back to India or re-routed away from the closed airspaces. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that's beyond an airline's control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority," Air India spokesperson had said on X. Earlier today, Air India announced resumption of flights. 'As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations to and from the Middle East resuming from 25 June. Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being progressively reinstated from today, while services to and from the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity," Air India said. 'Some flights may experience delays or cancellations due to consequential impacts and extended re-routings/flight times, but we are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity," it added. Air India Express also put a temporary halt in its flight operations to and from the region. IndiGo As the missiles were fired by Iran on Monday night, IndiGo suspended its flights to and from various countries in West Asia. 'In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, our flight operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi have been suspended at least until 1000hrs today," IndiGo posted on X early Tuesday. Later, as a ceasefire was announced, airports in the Middle East (West Asia) began opening gradually. IndiGo said the airline was 'prudently and progressively resuming operations on these routes". 'The flight operations into, out of, and through the Gulf countries have stabilised and are operating as scheduled. However, as airspace over Iran remains restricted, some flights may take alternate routes, which could result in longer travel times. We recommend keeping a close watch on your flight status for the latest updates," IndiGo tweeted. SpiceJet Some flights of SpiceJet were also impacted due to the Middle East tensions. 'Due to airspace closure in the Middle East, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status at or contact our 24*7 Reservation Helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for assistance," SpiceJet posted on X. Akasa Air Akasa Air took to X to inform its passengers about the likely impact of the tense situation on the flight operations. 'Due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East, our flight operations to and from the region may be impacted. We understand this may affect your travel plans and sincerely regret the inconvenience. Our teams are closely monitoring the evolving situation to ensure that all flight operations are within safe and approved airspace," Akasa Air said. The airlines also urged the passengers to reach out to the care centre for any assistance relating to their journey. 'For any further assistance please feel free to contact our 24×7 Akasa Care Centre on +91 9606 112131 and our teams will be available to assist you," it said. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Israel Iran tension Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 24, 2025, 18:05 IST News india Several Flights To Europe, US Rerouted Amid Israel-Iran Conflict | Check Advisories

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