Kuwait City: More than 100,000 exit permits have been issued to private sector expatriate workers in Kuwait following the implementation of Circular No. 2 of 2025, which mandates that foreign employees must obtain approval from their registered employer before leaving the country.
The Public Authority for Manpower confirmed that these exit permits have been processed through its automated systems using the Ash’hal platform and the Sahl mobile app since the directive took effect on June 12. The number of permits is expected to grow significantly as the summer travel season peaks.
To streamline the process, the Authority has completed an automated link with the Ministry of Interior’s General Administration of Ports, enabling faster verification at border crossings. Workers are advised to print a hard copy of the permit before traveling, as airlines may require it.
Officials noted that only a few complaints have been received about employers withholding exit approvals, and these have been resolved swiftly. If an employer deliberately obstructs or refuses to grant permission, workers can file a formal complaint with the labor relations unit related to their company file.
There is no limit on how many exit permits an expatriate can request in a year, provided the employer approves each request. In urgent cases, workers are encouraged to submit requests well in advance and communicate directly with their employer to speed up approval.
The Sahl app allows workers to apply for an exit permit electronically, while the Sahl Business app enables employers to review and grant approvals. The new system aims to safeguard both employer rights and worker mobility, ensuring travel procedures remain efficient and legally compliant.
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