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Mixed reactions to Kuwait’s new exit permit rule for expat workers

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2 months ago

June 12, 2025

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Some employers welcome tighter controls, while some employees fear increased restrictions

KUWAIT: From July 1, 2025, expatriate workers in Kuwait’s private sector will need an exit permit from their sponsor to leave the country. The regulation aims to streamline departures and protect both employer and employee rights. Reactions to the new measure have been mixed. Speaking to Kuwait Times, employer Adel Suliman voiced support for the decision, while emphasizing the need for further system enhancements. “I hope leave types can be categorized into ‘internal’ and ‘external’. Some workers request annual leave but remain in the country, and in such cases, sponsors should not be held legally responsible,” he said, calling for a digitalized process to minimize administrative burdens on employers.

Employer Homoud Al-Ajmi also praised the move, highlighting its importance for business owners. “This is an excellent step, which many responsible employers have long awaited. We also hope the regulation will include mandatory return dates for expatriate workers, with clear consequences such as residency cancellation if they overstay without employer and ministry of interior approval. Some workers take a one-month leave and return late, which causes delays in company operations. Deducting from salaries is not enough — the sponsor should be allowed to protect his business and prevent such people from coming back to the country,” he said.

Al-Ajmi further suggested that Kuwait follow the example of other Gulf countries, where overstaying a vacation can result in a five-year entry ban. “This is vital to protect national economic interests, preserve job opportunities for citizens and reduce the financial burden on the state budget,” he added.

On the other hand, business owner Abu Ali criticized the decision, suggesting it should only apply to sensitive positions such as managers, accountants or cashiers. “Why all this hassle for regular jobs? This just adds to the daily load and stress for employers. Unfortunately, this may also give visa traders an excuse to demand more money in exchange for approving workers’ leaves,” he pointed out. He advised the minister to focus more on the issue of runaway domestic workers. “There are many labor violations and financial losses due to runaway workers. There should be a way to prevent them.”

Meanwhile, expatriate workers expressed concern that the decision could be misused by employers to exert further control. “This will give more power to the sponsor to mistreat employees. I’ve been trying to get medical leave for surgery for months, but my manager keeps refusing. This policy may worsen such cases,” Salem Oudeh warned.

One worker proposed a system where the state, rather than employers, acts as the legal sponsor of expatriate workers, handling residency renewals while companies function purely as contracting entities. “This could reduce exploitation, bribery, and unjust practices against workers,” Othman Osama said.

Mohammad Saed suggested the system be applied selectively. “Instead of applying it to everyone, there should be a feature where an employer can flag a specific employee who shouldn’t be allowed to travel without their approval. Emergencies happen, and some people need to leave immediately — especially in cases of family deaths.”

As for Ahmad Aziz, overly strict regulations could stifle economic growth and flexibility. “While the move to enforce a mandatory exit permit may help regulate the labor market and protect employers’ rights, I must emphasize that strict laws and excessive red tape hinder market growth. We all want a flourishing and flexible economy — only then will the benefits truly reach everyone: workers, employers, and the country,” he said.

Related Topics:Exit Expat Kuwaits mixed permit reactions rule Workers

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Hot, dusty weather to persist through Friday: Meteorologist

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33 minutes ago

July 30, 2025

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KUWAIT: The country will continue to experience very hot and dusty weather conditions through Friday, with reduced horizontal visibility expected in open areas, the Meteorological Department announced on Wednesday. Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dhirar Al-Ali said in a statement to KUNA that the current weather pattern is being driven by an extension of the Indian seasonal low, accompanied by a very hot and dry air mass.

This system is bringing moderate to active northwesterly winds, with speeds possibly exceeding 50 km/h. Al-Ali warned that the dust-laden winds could reduce horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters in some areas, particularly in open and desert regions. He added that sea waves may rise to over six feet during this period.

The northwesterly winds are expected to continue until Thursday, ranging between 15 to 45 km/h, with occasional gusts causing further dust and high sea waves. Al-Ali noted that winds will gradually ease by Friday, leading to an improvement in weather conditions and a gradual settling of dust by evening. He indicated that daytime temperatures will remain extremely high, with maximum ranging between 48°C and 51°C, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain hot to warm, ranging between 34°C and 36°C. — KUNA

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Kuwait Justice Minister: Combating human trafficking is a national responsibility

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3 hours ago

July 30, 2025

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KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, Nasser Al-Sumait affirmed on Wednesday that protecting individuals from human trafficking is a national responsibility requiring year-round institutional collaboration.

Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, Al-Sumait said Kuwait has adopted a comprehensive approach combining prevention, legislation, and victim care, grounded in transparency and accountability.

He emphasized that Kuwait continues to develop modern tools to address trafficking crimes, in line with international changes and digital challenges, and highlighted the importance of social partnerships and responsible media, noting that public awareness is the first line of defense.

Al-Sumait expressed confidence that Kuwait’s national efforts, aligned with international standards, will foster a safe environment where human rights are protected without discrimination.

Kuwait established its National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in 2018, aiming for a society free of trafficking, raising awareness of its dangers, and working toward its eradication.

The UN General Assembly designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness of human trafficking, highlight victims’ suffering, and protect their rights. —KUNA

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Cabinet orders quick removal of all encroachments on state properties

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11 hours ago

July 30, 2025

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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, gave instructions to relevant state bodies to speed up the removal of all encroachments on state properties.

Following the meeting, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Mousherji said the instructions were made after reviewing the Ministry of Finance’s report about encroachments on state properties in 2024.

At the advent of the meeting, the Cabinet members reviewed a number of letters sent by several world leaders to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah about strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in various realms. Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Askar and the acting undersecretary of the ministry made a presentation to the Cabinet about the Ministry’s plans to establish warehouses for strategic commodities in the country’s five governorates to enhance food security.

Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabae briefed the Cabinet about the ministry’s preparations for the upcoming academic year. The Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the ministerial economic committee meeting, especially its report about the public-private partnership projects during the period from March 2024 to April 2025.It referred the report to the higher committee for public-private partnership projects to take necessary decisions.

It deliberated others issues on its agenda and approved some of them and referred some others for ministerial committees for more study. Finally, the Cabinet approved the minutes of the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship, which included cases of loss, withdrawal and revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship from some individuals, in accordance with the provisions of Decree Law No. (15) of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments. — KUNA