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Time of India
12 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
Time of India
19 hours ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
35,000 Exit Permits Issued as Kuwait's New Travel Rule Enforced
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Public Authority for Manpower has begun enforcing a new ministerial directive issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef from today (July 1st) . The directive requires expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This measure aims to regulate the departure process and ensure compliance with labor and residency laws. Marzouq Al-Otaibi, Director General of the Authority, stated that 35,000 exit permits have already been issued since the service was launched, all of which met the required criteria and were approved through official employer submissions. Al-Otaibi emphasized that the Authority, under ministerial guidance, has worked to streamline and digitize the process. Applications can be submitted and approved through the "Sahel Individuals" mobile app or the "Ashal" Manpower portal. Employers must approve the request via "Sahel Business" or the corporate version of "Ashal", ensuring the process aligns with the Authority's regulations. Both workers and employers can access and submit requests online at any time, 24/7. Expatriate workers are required to fill out an official form containing their personal details and travel history. This form must be submitted electronically through the designated platform for fast and accurate processing. The goal, Al-Otaibi explained, is to regulate expatriate departures, reinforce legal compliance, and safeguard the rights of both workers and employers. He added that if an employer unjustifiably refuses or delays granting permission, the worker has the right to file a complaint with the relevant labor relations unit linked to the company's file, following legal procedures. He also clarified that there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually, provided the employer grants approval.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Why Exit Permits of Expats for Employers in Kuwait Important
KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Kuwait government's new regulation requiring all expatriates working in the private sector under Article 18 residency to obtain an official exit permit before leaving the country will take effect tomorrow (July 1) and is part of the government's broader effort to tighten labor market regulations and ensure compliance with contractual obligations. The new rule has received a mixed response. Many employers support the regulation, citing improved business oversight and reduced employee absenteeism, as well as helping to prevent expatriates with financial responsibilities from suddenly leaving the country without informing the company. However, some warn it could increase administrative burdens. Expatriate workers have expressed concern that the rule may lead to excessive restrictions, with some calling for greater government oversight and a more flexible implementation framework to prevent misuse or unnecessary delays. Under the new system, expatriate workers will no longer be allowed to travel outside Kuwait (whether temporarily or permanently) without the explicit approval of their employer. Authorities said the move aims to prevent workers with pending financial or legal responsibilities from departing the country without fulfilling their obligations. According to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the policy is designed to regulate expatriate departures, protect the rights of both employers and employees, and reduce violations involving workers exiting the country without proper authorization. While government sector employees in Kuwait have long been required to obtain travel approval from their respective ministries, this is the first time a similar requirement is being extended to the private sector on a large scale. To apply for an exit permit, workers must use their civil ID and personal details via the Sahel mobile application or PAM's Ashal portal. Employers, on the other hand, will process approvals through the Sahel-Business app or the same portal. The system automatically verifies the employer-employee relationship before issuing the permit electronically. Officials have confirmed that the digital permit system will operate 24/7, including on weekends and public holidays, to avoid delays. In the event of an emergency or if technical issues arise, workers are advised to visit the nearest manpower authority branch for assistance. Employers may also authorize representatives to approve travel requests on their behalf. In general, the exit permit has to be applied on the Sahel app between 7 days to 24 hrs before departure. The regulation marks another step in Kuwait's drive to digitize residency and labor services while strengthening regulatory oversight of its large expatriate workforce.
