12/06/2025
Kuwait Requires Expat Workers in Private Sector to Obtain Exit Permit Before Leaving the Country, Effective July 1, 2025..
As part of a regulatory measure aimed at enhancing oversight of expatriate labor mobility and ensuring a balance between workers’ rights and employers’ interests, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has issued a ministerial circular requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain a Departure Permit from their registered employers before leaving Kuwait.
The Public Authority of Manpower announced that, in accordance with the ministerial circular, expatriate workers must submit a Departure Permit request to their employer. The request must include the worker’s personal details and the intended travel date, using the official form approved by the Authority. These requests will be submitted electronically through a dedicated platform to ensure swift and accurate processing.
The Authority emphasized that this measure is intended to regulate the departure process for expatriate workers, ensure compliance with legal procedures, protect the rights of both workers and employers, and reduce violations related to unnotified departures. Employers and workers have been urged to fully comply with this new requirement, which will take effect on July 1, 2025 as part of broader efforts to improve Kuwait’s labor environment.
According to reliable sources at the Public Authority for Manpower, Exit Permits will be processed through the Authority’s automated “Ashal platform” with approvals granted automatically by employers, the sources reassured expatriate workers that approvals will be immediate and will not cause any inconvenience, stating Approvals will appear instantly once the employer approves the request. There will be no delays or complications.
They added that the service is available 24/7 and covers all job titles and professions. The sources further explained, Requests can be submitted through multiple platforms either via the Sahel Individuals’ app (by the worker) or through the Ashal Manpower Portal’, The employer may also approve the request via Sahel Business’ or the Ashal service for private companies registered with the Authority. In emergencies or in cases involving unskilled laborers who do not use the Sahel app, employers may submit requests on behalf of the worker.”
Expatriate workers must submit a Departure Permit request containing their personal data and planned travel date using the official form. These requests are to be submitted electronically via the designated platform to ensure fast and accurate handling. #الكويت