For urgent travel, employers can submit departure requests for their employees around the clock.
Headline: Kuwait Introduces Mandatory Exit Permit System for Expatriate Workers in Private Sector
Get ready, folks! Starting July 1st, 2025, all foreign workers belonging to the private sector in Kuwait need to secure an exit permit from their employer before jetting off—whether temporary or permanent departures. Here's the lowdown on this new initiative, designed to protect the interests of both parties involved.
First off, who's affected? You guessed it—all expatriate workers registered under the private sector, including those who just need a quick vacation or planning a permanent goodbye. The application process is as straightforward as it gets: workers will submit their exit permit requests through the Sahel App or the Ashel Manpower Portal using their unique Civil ID number and personal info. These digital platforms streamline the procedure, ensuring requests can be made before travel hits the calendar.
Now, let's talk employer verification. The system smartly verifies the employer-employee relationship before authorizing the permit. Employers can review and approve exit permit requests digitally, keeping things nice and tidy. If your employer is out of town or caught up in a meeting, no worries! They can appoint authorized representatives to manage the digital approvals during their absence.
But what about those times when things don't go as planned? No biggie—the exit permit system operates 24/7, so even on public holidays, you can apply and receive approval for your request. In case of application discrepancies, a visit to the manpower authority's offices may be required to straighten things out.
So why the exit permit fuss, you ask? It's all about enhanced regulatory oversight, preventing unauthorized departures, and balancing the rights of both employers and expatriate workers. Both parties are expected to strictly follow this new requirement.
Of course, like any significant change, there are concerns. Some employers have expressed worries about increased bureaucracy, while some expatriate workers are uneasy about potential restrictions. But fret not—it seems that Kuwait isn't alone in implementing such a system, as other GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain also have similar practices in place.
Here's a quick glance at the key features of this new exit permit system:
- Who applies? – Private sector expatriate workers
- Application platform – Sahel App, Ashel Manpower Portal
- Approval required by – Employer/Sponsor (kafeel)
- Information used – Civil ID number, personal details
- System availability – 24/7, including public holidays
- Enforcement starts – July 1, 2025
- Purpose – Enhanced oversight, reduce absenteeism, balance worker/employer rights
Overall, this mandatory exit permit system in Kuwait aims to foster a more organized work environment by providing greater oversight and promoting better communication between employers and employees.
In light of this new exit permit system, businesses in the private sector of Kuwait, including those involving technology, may need to adjust their practices regarding employee departures. Employees who registered under the private sector will be required to use the Sahel App or the Ashel Manpower Portal to submit their exit permit requests beginning July 1, 2025. This system is designed to maintain a balanced relationship between employers and workers, ensuring enhanced regulatory oversight and preventing unauthorized departures.
