Kuwait's new exit rule: What work visa holders must do before flying out

Kuwait has officially started enforcing a new mandatory electronic travel permit system for expatriate workers in the private sector. The regulation applies to all foreign workers under Article 18 of the Foreigners’ Residence Law and came into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) launched the e-permit system as part of the country's broader digital transformation and labour market reforms. Within the first few hours of launch, over 36,000 applications were submitted, showing a high level of awareness among employers and workers.

Permit required before departure

Under the new rule, expatriate workers must now obtain an electronic exit permit before travelling. The permit must be approved by the employer or sponsor. Workers are required to apply through the Sahel Individuals mobile application, while employers must use the As-hal Companies portal to review and approve requests.

The system operates round-the-clock, including weekends, to ensure accessibility. PAM stated that the regulation aims to improve transparency, protect the rights of workers, and simplify exit procedures for foreign employees in the private sector.

Smooth operations at airport on first day

According to a report by the Times of India, Kuwait International Airport saw steady outbound traffic on the first day of implementation. The first flight operating under the new rule, bound for India via Air India, departed at 12:45 am without delays. A second flight to India followed shortly after.

Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Interior, and various airlines, coordinated efforts to maintain normal airport operations. Despite summer travel crowds, the new requirement did not disrupt passenger movement or delay procedures.

Airlines issue exit permit warnings

Airlines have started alerting passengers travelling on work visas about the new rule. They warned that failure to secure an employer-approved exit permit will lead to cancellation of flight reservations. In such cases, airlines will not offer compensation or alternative bookings.

Travellers have been advised to ensure all travel documents are in order before arriving at the airport. This includes checking:

• Passport validity
• Visa status
• Employer-approved exit permit

Airlines are urging passengers to verify documentation well in advance to avoid issues at check-in counters.

The new e-permit system marks a major change in Kuwait’s exit procedures for private sector expatriates, placing responsibility on both workers and employers to ensure compliance.

As per a report by AFP, similar systems are already in place in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. In Kuwait, the new rule was introduced through a ministerial directive by First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef. It reinforces the country’s sponsorship-based residency system, under which an employer controls key aspects of a worker’s legal status. The implementation of this rule also comes against the backdrop of other immigration reforms. A new residency law passed in late 2024 restricts contract durations, bans administrative fee deductions from salaries, and sets stricter penalties for violations. Additionally, Kuwait has raised the income threshold for family visa sponsorship, setting a minimum salary of KD 800 per month. While the exit permit system is seen as a step toward orderly labour market management, some human rights groups have raised concerns about its potential to increase employer control and limit worker mobility.