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

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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.

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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