Introduction of an Exit Permit for Expatriate Workers in Kuwait

2 July 2025 - In a significant regulatory update, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has issued a ministerial circular mandating that expatriate workers in the private sector obtain an "exit permit" from their registered employers before exiting the country. This mandate, designed to enhance oversight over expatriate movements and balance rights between workers and employers, will be implemented from 01 July 2025.

The Public Authority for Manpower has detailed the process, stating that expatriate workers must submit an exit permit request to their employers, including personal details and intended travel dates via the official platform either via the Sahel App or the Public Authority of Manpower Website for efficient processing.

Key points to note:

• The exit permit validity is limited to 7 days post-application.
• Applications can be submitted anytime via the Sahel App.
• Providing a specific exit date is optional.

This initiative aims to regulate expatriate departures, enforce compliance with legal frameworks, protect rights, and mitigate unauthorized exits. Further details on the provision for multiple-use or long-term exit permits have yet to be disclosed.

Deloitte’s view

This regulatory change underscores the growing emphasis on structured worker-employer relationships and compliance in Kuwait. 

For our clients, this means prioritizing timely communication and coordination with their expatriate staff to ensure seamless compliance with this new requirement. While this may introduce additional administrative tasks, it presents an opportunity to refine internal processes and strengthen policy adherence. 

Deloitte is committed to supporting our clients through these changes, providing strategic guidance to navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently. 

Notice

The above is only a brief summary of the current update, is valid at the time of circulation and is based only on information currently available in the public domain which is subject to change. This alert has been written in general terms and does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Deloitte and therefore cannot be relied on to cover specific situations; application of the principles set out will depend upon the particular circumstances involved and we highly recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.

Deloitte and Touche Middle East would be pleased to advise readers on how to apply the principles set out in this publication to their specific circumstances. Deloitte accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.

Contacts

Our immigrations experts listed below would be happy to discuss the above matters in more detail or support you through a further discussion on your specific requirements.

Hadi Allawi
hallawi@deloitte.com

Mohammed Haque
mhaque@deloitte.com

Syed Mansoor
mansyed@deloitte.com

Vinodhini Sundar
vsundar@deloitte.com