New Rule: Expats Must Get Employer Approval Before Travel

In a significant regulatory shift, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has announced that all expatriate workers in the private sector will be required to obtain an official exit permit from their registered employers prior to leaving the country. This new rule is set to be implemented early next month.

Ministerial Circular Issued

This decision was officially formalized through a ministerial circular issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The directive aims to tighten oversight over the travel of foreign workers and ensure both employee and employer rights are protected.

Permit Details and Submission Process

The Public Authority for Manpower confirmed that the new procedure will require the exit permit to include:

• Personal details of the worker
• Planned date of travel
• Mode of transportation

The completed permit must be submitted electronically through a designated platform to streamline the process and enhance accuracy.

Ensuring Legal Compliance

Authorities emphasized that the new system is designed to reduce cases of unauthorized departures and ensure all movements are conducted legally. The measure also seeks to eliminate misunderstandings between employers and employees regarding overseas travel.

Enforcement Begins Soon

Employers and foreign workers have been urged to comply fully with this new requirement. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences. The enforcement of this regulation will begin in the early part of next month, with no exceptions.

Conclusion

With this new exit permit system, the Kuwaiti government aims to create a more accountable and transparent framework for labor mobility, protecting the interests of both expatriate workers and their employers.