By B Izzak

KUWAIT: Kuwait on Wednesday imposed for the first time an exit permit for private sector expatriate workers, which must be obtained prior to travel and with the full consent of sponsors or employers. The decision takes effect from July 1, according to the Public Authority of Manpower.

The authority said in a statement on X that the measure was imposed through a decision taken by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, adding that the exit permit is mandatory and must be approved by the official employer or kafeel of the expats. The new move means that private sector expats (article 18 residency) will not be able to leave the country without the approval of their employers, apparently in a bid to prevent expats with financial responsibilities from leaving the country on their own.

The authority said the decision aims to regulate the departures of expat workers, guarantee their compliance with the laws and ensure the rights of both employers and workers. It also aims at minimizing violations linked to the departures of expat workers without an exit permit, the authority said.

The measure has been long implemented in four other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states – except the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Expat workers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain are required to obtain a permit before leaving those countries, with some exceptions. Government employees in Kuwait have long been required to obtain a permit from their ministries or departments before leaving the country.

All expats working in the private sector who want to leave Kuwait and return or leave permanently must obtain the permit, the authority statement said. The workers must submit a request using civil ID number and personal information on the Sahel application or the Ashal portal of the manpower authority to obtain the permit online. The employer must use the Sahel-Business app or the Ashal portal and the system will automatically verify an employer-employee match before issuing the permit.

Officials of the manpower authority said when implemented, the systems will be operational around the clock on all days including public holidays to grant the permit without any delay. People authorized by the employer are able to approve such requests automatically. If a problem occurs, workers must visit the authority’s offices.

Employers largely support the move, citing better business control and reduced absenteeism, though some warn it could increase bureaucracy. Workers, however, fear it may lead to further restrictions, with calls for government oversight or more flexible, selective enforcement.

KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya participated on Tuesday in the celebration of Africa Day, hosted at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait. In a press statement on the occasion, he extended heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing that Kuwait’s relationship with the African continent is both “deep and historic.”

He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with African nations, highlighting the country’s pride in its strong partnership—particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which has supported vital infrastructure and development projects across the continent since its founding in 1961.

Coinciding with the celebration, an art exhibition was inaugurated, featuring both contemporary and traditional works by African artists. Attendees also enjoyed musical and folkloric performances by African cultural troupes, showcasing the richness and authenticity of African heritage and symbolizing the strong historical bonds between the people of Kuwait and Africa.

Acting Director General of KFAED, Waleed Al-Bahar, also took part in the celebration. In a press statement, he announced that the fund has financed 540 development projects in more than 50 African countries, with a total value exceeding $11.4 billion. These efforts represent around 57 percent of the fund’s global activity and have, he noted, contributed significantly to economic transformation and improved livelihoods across the continent.

Al-Bahar emphasized that Africa remains a top priority in the fund’s development agenda. He expressed pride in the enduring and robust partnerships with African countries and stressed the importance of continued cooperation to promote further progress, prosperity, and sustainable development across the continent.

He noted that KFAED continues to offer loans, grants, and technical assistance to support various programs and projects aimed at advancing comprehensive development in African nations.

This year marks the ninth consecutive year of the fund’s participation in Africa Day celebrations. Through a dedicated pavilion, the fund showcased its development and humanitarian contributions, highlighting key projects that have supported growth and improved living standards throughout Africa.

The celebration also featured the participation of more than 30 embassies from African Union member states, each presenting elements of their country’s cultural and historical heritage through exhibits, artifacts, and traditional crafts, reflecting the diverse professions and traditions across the continent. — KUNA

MANILA: Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Philippines Mishari Al-Naibari, has presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The credential ceremony took place on Tuesday at the presidential palace (Malacañang) in the capital, Manila. In a statement received by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) today (Wednesday), the Embassy of Kuwait in the Philippines said that Ambassador Al-Naibari conveyed to President Marcos the warmest regards of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with His Highness’s sincere wishes for the continued well-being and prosperity of the friendly people of the Philippines. According to the statement, Ambassador Al-Naibari affirmed His Highness the Amir’s commitment to supporting and strengthening bilateral relations between Kuwait and the Philippines across all sectors, as well as mutual support in international forums. This, he noted, would help advance the ties between the two nations toward broader horizons and achieve their shared interests. – KUNA