Kuwait’s new expat travel rule: more than 35,000 exit permits issued within days. world News
A few days after Kuwait introduced a major regulatory change for private sector migrant workers, government officials have confirmed that more than 35,000 exit permits have already been issued under the new system. Regulation, which officially came into force on 1 July 2025, suggests that employed exits in the private sector should now receive pre -approval from their employers before traveling abroad.The step is first part of a major improvement campaign led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Sheikh Fahd Al Yusuf, which aims to modernize and implement compliance within Kuwait’s labor and residence structure.
A digitally operated system to manage exit
According to Marazauk al-Otabi, Director General of Public Authority for Public Authority (PAM), all exit permits issued so far have been processed through official employer-legal channels. Al Otababi reported that the new system was developed with a strong attention on efficiency and access. It has become completely digital and operates 24/7, allowing both workers and employers to handle online requests.
The platforms used for these transactions include:
- Sahel Mobile App
- Asaal manpower portal
- Sahel Business and Ashal Corporate Interface for employers
Palm sources said, “We assure the migrant workers that approval will not take a long time and will not have any difficulty. They will reveal the moment when the application is approved by the employer,” Palm sources told Times Kuwait.
The exit process also includes many major features:
- Electronic form where individual details and travel information expands
- Immediate digital issuance on employer approval
- Permits are valid for seven days
- Romantic
For emergency conditions or cases where the expat app cannot reach, the employer can directly register a request on his behalf. The system has been developed to ensure that the needs of legitimate travel have not been interrupted by technical or procedural obstacles.In a circular released earlier this year, Sheikh Fahd Al Yusuf said:“Exit permit is available around the service clock, including public holidays, and is designed to be quick, user, friendly, and bureaucratic obstacles free.”
Clear worker built in security
One of the most important aspects of this regulation has the right to prevent improper denial or delay by the employer.If an employer refuses or stops approval without a valid reason, the migrant may file a formal complaint with his company’s labor relationship unit.In response to concerns about the frequency of the journey, Al Otabi clarified that there is no cap or limit on the number of exit, which can receive an expat every year, provided that they have a employer approval.“The objective is to protect the rights of both employees and employers while maintaining legal orders,” Al Otabi explained the Arab Times.The aim of the system is to create a balance between employee dynamics and employer accountability, strengthening Kuwait’s residence and labor law compliance.
How to apply: step-by-step guide for expats
Here is a simplified walkthrough for private sector migrant workers looking to apply for a exit permit:
- Use Sahel or Ashal app to login
- Fill the application
- Request for employer approval
- Download or print permit
- Special Case: If an expat cannot apply online, the employer can apply directly. In case of denial, a complaint can be submitted through the PAM’s Labor Relations Department
Exits are strongly advised to apply well before traveling to allow adequate time to processing and employer response.
Why it matters: Improvement with a human-focused focus
The introduction of compulsory exit permits is not only administrative; This is a reflection of Kuwait’s comprehensive efforts digitally to change its labor system, implement accountability and protect the rights of all parties involved.According to the Ministry of Palm and Internal Officers, the rule is intended:
- Curb unauthorized or uncontrolled exit
- Ensure proper documentation of employment status
- Stop the misuse of travel privileges or visa flaws
- Install a clear record of the migrant movement associated with the employer-employee relationship
As mentioned by PAM in many official communications:“This system is part of Kuwait’s fairness, transparency and commitment to modernization in all labor-related processes.”Issuing more than 35,000 permits within a few days suggests how actively expanded with new regulation. Whereas the rule places aims to streamline processes, reduce friction and improve compliance on both employees and employers.With no annual permit boundary, a direct app-based interface, and an active support mechanism for disputes, Kuwait’s exhaust permit framework represents an important policy development, designed not only for control, but also for fairness and accountability.
