Starting from July 1st, all expatriates under Article 18 must get an 'Exit permit' before travelling out of Kuwait.

As per the Public Authority for Manpower, the new decision requiring private sector workers to obtain an exit permit before traveling is intended to be regulatory and protect the rights of both workers and employers.

This decision applies to all private sector workers holding residency permits under Article 18.

The procedure to get the 'Exit Permit' is simple as the employee can submit the request either through the Sahel app or through the 'Ashal' portal for the workforce.

Once the employee submit the request, the Employer then approves the request through 'Sahel Business' or the 'Ashal' service for companies.

Once the employer approves the request, the process is over and the 'Exit Permit' will be available with Employees Sahel app. Employee can either print the permit or present it through the Sahel app at the airport.

In emergencies, the Employer also can submit the request on behalf of employee.

The source said that the employer is the one who grants approval for the permit, and in the event of an emergency requiring urgent travel, the service is available 24 hours a day and requires no complications.

In the event of an employer's refusal to grant an employee leave permission, the employee can refer to the relevant labor relations unit based on their company's file to file a complaint in accordance with established legal procedures.

There is no maximum number of leave permits per year, especially since the system is open without numerical restrictions, as long as the employer approves.