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Workers

Kuwait Implements Electronic Exit Permit System for Expatriate Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Kuwait has begun enforcing a new electronic exit permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector, marking a significant 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. The system has seen a strong early response, with over 36,000 applications submitted within hours of launch.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new electronic exit permit system requires expatriate workers in the private sector to secure a permit before traveling abroad, which 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, and the permit must be obtained before traveling.
  • The system is designed to streamline exit procedures, enhance transparency, and safeguard workers' rights, and will operate 24/7, including weekends.
  • The regulation aligns Kuwait with Gulf neighbours like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, which already operate similar systems.
  • 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.

Statistics:

  • Over 36,000 applications were submitted within hours of the launch of the e-permit system.
  • The permit must be applied for via the Sahel Individuals mobile app and approved through the As-hal Companies portal.
  • The system operates 24/7, including weekends, for ease of access.
  • Kuwait has raised the minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family visas to KD 800 per month.
  • The regulation aims to promote more organised labour market management, but some human rights groups have expressed concerns that it could further tighten employer control and restrict workers' freedom of movement.

Sources:

  • ET (Economic Times)
  • Public Authority for Manpower (PAM)
  • . (mentioned as a source)
  • Times of India, "Kuwait introduces electronic exit permit system for expatriate workers"

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