Kuwait has launched a new multiple-trip exit permit service for expatriate workers, marking a major shift in how the country manages labour mobility and administrative oversight. The initiative, announced by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), is aimed at reducing paperwork, accelerating approvals and easing the administrative burden on both employers and employees as part of Kuwait’s broader push toward digital governance.
For the first time, expatriate workers can apply for an exit permit that allows multiple departures and re-entries within a specified period, eliminating the need to seek approval for every individual trip. Officials said the upgrade will significantly benefit workers who travel frequently while streamlining monitoring processes for employers.
According to PAM, the service is fully integrated with the Ministry of Interior’s systems, enabling approved permits to be transmitted automatically. Once approved, both employers and workers can print the permit at any time without additional processing.
Applications can be submitted digitally through the Ashal portal for companies and manpower services, or via the Sahel app for businesses and individuals. Applicants can choose between single-trip and multiple-trip permits, specify the start and end dates, and complete the process entirely online. The system immediately generates a transaction number and displays the application status upon submission.
In a statement, PAM said the new service allows authorised signatories to provide advance, automatic approval for exit permits, removing the need to manually review each request. Authorities said this is expected to significantly reduce administrative pressure on employers while ensuring faster and more seamless travel approvals for workers.
The reform builds on Kuwait’s earlier move to tighten oversight of expatriate travel. In June 2025, exit permits were made mandatory for private-sector expatriate workers, with the regulation set to come into force on July 1, 2026. Under the rule, expatriate employees must obtain their employer’s permission before leaving the country.
Officials have maintained that the measures aim to balance the rights of employers and employees while strengthening oversight of workforce movement, even as Kuwait modernises its labour systems through digital platforms.
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