Kuwait makes exit permits mandatory for private sector expat workers

Dubai: Kuwait has introduced a new rule requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their registered employers before leaving the country.

The move is envisioned to enhance regulatory oversight, ensure legal compliance, and strike a fair balance between the rights of workers and employers.

The circular was issued by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and will be implemented in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower. The procedure will take effect from July 1.

Under the new policy, expatriate workers must submit a formal request for an exit permit to their employers, detailing personal information and the intended date of travel.

This must be done using an official form approved by the authority. All requests will be processed electronically via a dedicated platform designed to expedite approvals and ensure accuracy.

 The authority clarified that the initiative aims to organise the departure process for foreign workers, prevent unauthorised exits, and protect the rights of both workers and employers. It also aligns with broader efforts to modernise Kuwait’s labour environment and improve administrative efficiency.

Employers and workers have been urged to comply with the new procedure. The Ministry of Interior's website confirms that the permit application process will be fully digital, with an automated approval system in place for business owners to facilitate timely departures.