New Rule Mandates Employer Approval For Expat Travel In Kuwait

The Kuwait government has officially reminded all expatriate workers in the private sector of a major policy change requiring an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This regulation will take effect on July 1, 2025.

The directive was introduced via a ministerial circular issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The move, aimed at tightening control over labor mobility and enforcing existing labor laws, will be implemented by the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM).

Electronic Exit Permit Process

Expatriate workers are required to submit an electronic exit permit request through an official platform to their registered employers. This application must include personal details and the intended date of travel, using a PAM-approved form.

Purpose and Implications

The initiative is part of efforts to balance rights and responsibilities between employers and workers, reduce illegal departures, and enhance labor law compliance. In a statement, PAM emphasized that the circular supports the government’s mission to create a more structured and legally compliant work environment.

Ensuring Worker Protection

Authorities reiterated that the new permit system is designed to safeguard workers’ rights, ensure timely employer notification, and minimize potential disputes. Employers are expected to process requests promptly, and both parties are encouraged to cooperate with the new process.

This exit permit policy marks a major shift in Kuwait’s labor regulations and aligns with ongoing efforts across Gulf countries to modernize and formalize expatriate workforce management.