Kuwait Expats: Exit Permits Required – July 1st
- Kuwait is implementing a new requirement for expatriate workers in the private sector.
- first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah issued a ministerial circular outlining the new policy.
- The Public Authority for Manpower said the exit permit process will be managed electronically.A dedicated platform will be used to ensure faster and more accurate processing of requests.
Starting July 1st, private sector expatriate workers in Kuwait must secure an exit permit from their employers before international travel.this new regulation, a key component of KuwaitS labor law update, aims to bolster oversight and safeguard both worker rights and employer interests. First Deputy Prime minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef announced the ministerial circular, emphasizing the importance of compliance. The Public Authority for Manpower will manage the permit process electronically, ensuring efficiency. This shift highlights the changing role of the state regarding employment. For extensive details on this policy adjustment, covering aspects from application processes to compliance measures, stay informed wiht News Directory 3.Discover what’s next for expats in Kuwait.
Kuwait Implements Exit Permit Rule for Expat Workers
Updated June 15, 2025
Kuwait is implementing a new requirement for expatriate workers in the private sector. Starting July 1, 2025, these workers must obtain an exit permit from their employers before leaving the country. The new rule is part of a broader effort to improve labor oversight and reduce legal violations related to employment.
first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah issued a ministerial circular outlining the new policy. The “exit permit” must be secured from the worker’s registered employer prior to any travel.
The Public Authority for Manpower said the exit permit process will be managed electronically.A dedicated platform will be used to ensure faster and more accurate processing of requests. Workers must submit a request with personal details and travel dates using an official form approved by the Authority.This new regulation regarding the role of Kuwait in the region is intended to better regulate the movement of foreign workers, protect the rights of both employers and employees, and reduce instances of workers leaving without notice or violating contract terms. The Kuwait government urges full compliance with the new rules from both employers and workers.
What’s next
The Public Authority for Manpower will continue to monitor the implementation of the new exit permit regulation and make adjustments as needed to ensure its effectiveness in regulating the labor market.