Kuwait's e-permit exit rule: Expat workers need employer's nod to fly out; how to obtain it?

Kuwait began enforcing a new electronic exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector, in a move that marks a major shift in the country’s labour and travel policies.From July 1, 2025, all foreign employees under Article 18 of the Foreigners’ Residence Law must obtain prior approval from their employer to travel abroad. The e-permit system, launched by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), is part of Kuwait’s wider digital transformation and labour market reform agenda.Authorities said that the system has seen a strong early response, with more than 36,000 applications submitted within hours of launch, ET reported.Obtaining the permitUnder the new rule, expatriate workers in the private sector must secure an electronic exit permit before travelling. The permit must be applied for via the Sahel Individuals mobile app and approved through the As-hal Companies portal. Employers or sponsors are required to review and approve the request through the As-hal Companies portal. Streamlining processThe system runs 24/7, including weekends, for ease of access. According to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the regulation is designed to streamline exit procedures, enhance transparency, and safeguard workers' rights.

Day one of the systemThe outbound traffic at Kuwait International Airport remained smooth on the first day of the new exit permit rule. The first flight under the regulation, an Air India service to India, departed at 12:45 am without any delays, followed closely by another India-bound flight. Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ministry of interior, and several airlines, worked in coordination to ensure seamless airport operations.

Despite the busy summer travel period, the new rule did not cause any disruptions or delays for departing passengers.Airlines alerting passengersAirlines have started issuing advisories, warning expatriate travellers on work visas that flight bookings will be cancelled if the mandatory exit permit is missing at check-in. In such cases, no refunds or alternate bookings will be offered, as per ET.Passengers are being urged to confirm the following before heading to the airport:

The regulation aligns Kuwait with Gulf neighbours like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, which already operate similar systems, as per AFP.The new regulation also strengthened the existing sponsorship-based residency system, where employers hold significant control over various aspects of a foreign worker’s legal status.It was introduced via a ministerial directive issued by first deputy prime minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef. The e-permit system comes amid a wave of new immigration laws passed in late 2024, which include tighter penalties for violations, contract limits, and a ban on deducting administrative fees from salaries.

Kuwait has also raised the minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family visas to KD 800 per month.Although the exit permit system is intended to promote more organised labour market management, some human rights groups have expressed concerns that it could further tighten employer control and restrict workers' freedom of movement.