New Exit Permit Rules For Expats Under Article 18 In Kuwait

Starting July 1, 2025, Kuwait has enforced mandatory exit permits for all expatriates working under Article 18 (private sector employment). As part of the new travel protocol, expats must obtain prior clearance to leave the country through the Sahel app, aligning their actual travel date with the approved leave start date.

Permit Application Rules and Timeframe

• Exit permits must be applied between 7 days and 24 hours before departure.
• The permit application must match the exact date of departure.
• Discrepancies between leave start and travel dates may result in denial at the airport.

Departure Before Leave Date is a Violation

If an employee’s approved leave begins on a Saturday, but they attempt to leave on Thursday night, the system will likely flag the permit. This mismatch may lead to immigration denial at the airport because:

• The exit permit departure date doesn't match the approved leave start.
• Departing before leave officially begins is treated as a legal violation.

Solution: Adjust Leave Dates Through HR

To avoid travel issues, employees should:

• Communicate with their HR department in advance.
• Request an adjustment of official leave dates to reflect the intended departure date.
• Ensure that leave approval in the HR system and travel dates in the Sahel app match exactly.

For example, if the expat plans to travel Thursday night, HR must set Thursday as the leave start date, not Saturday.

HR and Employer Responsibilities

Companies are required to:

• Comply with the Public Authority for Manpower’s leave regulations.
• Understand that Fridays, being standard off-days, are not deducted from annual leave.

Employers should ensure clear communication with staff regarding the implications of mismatched leave and travel dates, especially under the new exit permit system.

What Expats Need to Know Before Traveling

• Apply for the exit permit via the Sahel app within the specified window.
• Coordinate with HR to align leave approval dates with actual travel plans.
• Avoid departing before the approved leave start to prevent immigration issues.
• Understand that violations may lead to delays or refusal to exit the country.

SOURCE: ARAB TIMES