Temporary Pass for Article 18 Laborers Lasts for Seven Days
New and Streamlined Exit Permit Process for Private Sector Expatriates in Kuwait
The Public Authority for Manpower has launched two innovative digital services to simplify the exit permit process for private sector expatriates holding Article (18) residency, as per recent government regulations.
These new services - accessible via the "Sahel" mobile app and the Authority's "Ashal" e-portal - empower expatriate workers to electronically request exit permits from their employers. Employers can then review and approve these requests through the "Sahel/Business" app.
According to our sources, these permits must be utilized within a maximum of 7 days from the date of issuance.
This development comes on the heels of Ministerial Circular No. 2 of 2025, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, which mandates that all private sector expatriates must secure an exit permit from their employer before departing Kuwait, effective July 1.
The Authority underscores that this reform is designed to improve procedures and bolster oversight, ensuring compliance with labor and residency regulations.
To shed more light on this circular, let's discuss some vital aspects:
- Applicability: All private sector expatriates registered in Kuwait are subject to this rule, regardless of whether the departure is temporary or permanent.
- Purpose: The regulation aims to strike a balance between the rights of employers and workers, enhance legal compliance, prevent unauthorized departures, and support labor market organization efforts.
- System Features: The system checks the employer-employee relationship automatically. If inconsistencies are detected, the case will be reviewed by specialized departments.
- Validity: While some sources suggest the newly introduced exit permit has a validity of 7 days, it's essential to note that all expatriates must obtain the exit permit before travel, with the specific validity period depending on the nature of the permit.
- Enforcement: Both employers and expatriate workers must adhere strictly to this requirement, with enforcement commencing from July 1, 2025.
In conclusion, this circular heralds a major regulatory change in expatriate labor mobility within Kuwait, embodied in the broader ambition to oversee and manage the labor market more effectively.
In the context of the new exit permit process for private sector expatriates in Kuwait, the digital services offered by the Public Authority for Manpower also integrate finance and technology. Employers can now use the "Sahel/Business" app to electronically review and approve exit permit requests, and this streamlined process not only strengthens business operations but also enhances compliance with the Kuwaiti labor market regulations and financial transactions.
