Kuwait implements mandatory exit permit for expatriate workers

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.