Latest news with #PAM
Arab Times
an hour 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.
Arab Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Now No More Silent Exits for Expats from Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 29: In a move to strengthen the protection of the legal rights of both the worker and the employer, and in compliance with the decision issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef after the Eid Al-Adha holidays, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) will start implementing the mandatory electronic 'travel permit' system for expatriate workers in the private sector starting on Tuesday. Sources from the authority told the newspaper that the total number of applications submitted and approved through official systems has reached 21,900 so far; indicating this is a manifestation of the readiness of the platform and positive user response. The authority previously confirmed that the decision is part of a comprehensive digital transformation program adopted by the State. It added that the new system provides a comprehensive electronic service available round the clock, including weekends, as the aim is to prevent the departure of employees without the knowledge of the employers, and to ensure the systematic documentation of travel cases. According to PAM, the new procedure requires every expatriate worker under Article 18 (private sector) to obtain a prior electronic travel permit approved by the employer through the 'Sahel Individuals' application, provided the request is approved by the authorized representative of the company or the sponsor through the 'Ashal' portal.
Gulf Insider
18 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Launches English Language Exit Permit Feature On Sahel App For Private Sector Expats
Kuwait has launched an English-language version of its digital exit permit system on the government's Sahel mobile application, a move aimed at streamlining labour mobility and reinforcing state oversight of private sector expatriate workers. Beginning July 1, 2025, all expatriates employed under Article 18 visas—those working in the private sector — will be required to obtain an employer-approved exit permit before traveling abroad. The new process is mandatory and must be completed through the Sahel app. To request a permit, users must log into Sahel, navigate to the Services section, and select the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). Under 'Expatriate Workers Services,' users will find the Exit Permit option, where they can input their intended departure and return dates and submit the request for employer approval. The system stipulates that applications must be submitted no earlier than seven days and no later than 24 hours before the intended departure. Kuwaiti authorities have framed the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at increasing transparency and simplifying administrative procedures for both employers and employees. The launch of the English-language interface marks a significant step toward accessibility for the country's large and diverse expatriate population, who make up most of the Kuwait's labour force.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Expats Can Now Apply for Exit Permits in English via Sahel App
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: Kuwait has officially introduced the English-language version of its digital exit permit service on the Sahel mobile application, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline labor mobility and enhance government oversight. Starting July 1, 2025, all expatriate employees working in the private sector must obtain an employer-approved exit permit through the Sahel app before leaving the country. The new system applies to holders of Article 18 visas. To initiate the process, users must log in to the Sahel app, navigate to the Services section, and select the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). Within this section, a link to ' Expatriate Workers Services ' is provided, choose Exit Permit allowing users to input their intended departure and return dates, and submit the request. Once the employer (sponsor) approves the application, a notification will appear in the app. A downloadable and printable version of the approved permit will then be made available to the employee.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Expats Can Now Apply for Exit Permits in English via Sahel App
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: Kuwait has officially introduced the English-language version of its digital exit permit service on the Sahel mobile application, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline labor mobility and enhance government oversight. Starting July 1, 2025, all expatriate employees working in the private sector must obtain an employer-approved exit permit through the Sahel app before leaving the country. The new system applies to holders of Article 18 visas. To initiate the process, users must log in to the Sahel app, navigate to the Services section, and select the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). Within this section, a link to ' Expatriate Workers Services ' is provided, choose Exit Permit allowing users to input their intended departure and return dates, and submit the request. Kindly note exit permits have to be applied between 7 days to 24 hrs. Once the employer (sponsor) approves the application, a notification will appear in the app. A downloadable and printable version of the approved permit will then be made available to the employee.
