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Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Employer Delaying Your Exit Permit? File A Complaint Now
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Under Circular No. 2/2025 issued recently by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain exit permits from their registered employers before leaving the country (effective from the beginning of this month), more than 100,000 exit permits have been issued to private sector expatriate workers since the implementation of the decision. Sources said the exit permits are processed through the automated systems of PAM, Ashal platform, and Sahel app, indicating the total number of issued permits is expected to double in the coming days as the travel season gains momentum. Sources disclosed that in order to streamline the process and ensure faster completion of travel procedures, the authority completed an automated link with the Ports Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, thereby ensuring the immediate sharing of exit permit data. Sources added PAM recommends that workers print a hard copy of the permit before traveling, in case it is requested by the airlines. Sources also affirmed that only a small number of complaints regarding permit issuance have been received so far -- mostly concerning employer delays or refusal, which were promptly addressed and resolved. Sources clarified that in cases where an employer is unreasonably withholding or delaying approval, the affected worker is advised to visit the Labor Relations Unit corresponding to their company's file to lodge a formal complaint, under legal procedures. They reiterated that approval from the employer remains a requirement for the permit to be issued. Sources also quoted PAM as saying there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually per worker, as long as the employer approves, adding that the system remains open and unrestricted in this regard. Sources explained that the time needed to obtain a permit ( especially in emergencies) depends primarily on the speed of employer approval. 'Therefore, workers are advised to submit their requests well in advance of their travel dates and to coordinate directly with their employers in urgent situations to expedite the process,' sources elaborated. Sources pointed out that workers can either print the approved permit or present it through the Sahel Individuals app to port authorities. They said the Sahel Individuals app enables workers to submit electronic exit permit requests, while the Sahel Business app allows employers to review and approve these requests quickly and conveniently.
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
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
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait To Offer Exit Permits In English For Expats Soon
KUWAIT CITY, June 17: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is now preparing for the implementation of the exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector that will take effect on July 1. The authority also reviewed the comments of relevant government agencies on the system and it has started coordinating with other concerned government agencies to activate the system. It continues to hold a series of meetings in order to address and respond to any comment. Acting Deputy Director for Planning and Administrative Development at PAM Rabab Al-Osaimi disclosed that the issuance of an exit permit through the announced systems enables the workers to avail services through the 'Easy Companies' page or 'Easy Manpower' page under the 'Labor Services' portal, in addition to the Sahel Individuals application. She confirmed that 'The new service was activated as per the directive of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousuf to protect the rights of both the workers and employers.' She said, 'Employers can now submit a request for permission to leave the country, specifying the period during which the worker is permitted to leave. The certificate containing a QR code must be printed to verify its authenticity at the ports or presented electronically through the official platforms.' She added, 'Workers can also submit the request through the Sahel Individuals app, where a special option is provided for the service and linked to the Sahel Business app. Notifications are sent directly to the worker after the employer's approval, and the certificate is then uploaded. Submitting the request and obtaining approval only takes a few minutes, as the service entails a direct link between the worker and the employer. There will be no intervention by authority employees to review the requests. The services will be launched in English soon. PAM continues to update and develop its electronic services to ensure they operate efficiently around the clock, as well as guarantee the quality, speed of implementation, and improved user experience. The increased demand for electronic services has saved effort and improved employee performance, as automated systems receive no fewer than 30,000 electronic transactions daily in various platforms and portals of the authority.'
