KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has announced the launch of a new “Multiple-Trip Exit Permit” service, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining procedures, and saving time and effort for both employers and workers. The initiative comes as part of the government’s ongoing digital transformation of public services.

PAM explained that the upgraded service allows, for the first time, the issuance of an exit permit covering multiple trips within a specified time period, instead of being restricted to a single-use permit. This development is expected to significantly reduce the need to repeat procedures for each trip.

The authority noted that the service is electronically linked with the Ministry of Interior’s systems, enabling automatic data transmission immediately upon permit approval. Employers and workers can also print the approved exit permit at any time.

According to PAM, applications can be submitted easily through the “Ashal” portal (Companies/Manpower) or via the “Sahel Business/Individuals” application. Applicants can select the type of permit—either single-trip or multiple-trip—specify the permit duration by entering the start and end dates, and submit the request. The transaction number and application status are displayed instantly upon submission.

In a statement, PAM said the new service allows the authorized signatory to grant automatic, prior approval for workers’ exit permits, eliminating the need to review and approve each application individually. The move is intended to ease administrative burdens on employers while ensuring faster service delivery for workers.

The authority outlined several key features of the service, highlighting its flexibility and efficiency. Employers can grant pre-approval to a single worker, a selected group of workers, or all workers registered under a specific license or file. Once pre-approval is in place, exit permits can be issued automatically and instantly as soon as a worker submits a request.

PAM also noted that the system includes an exception option, allowing employers to grant pre-approval to all workers while excluding specific individuals, according to operational needs. In addition, employers retain full control over the process, with the ability to modify, suspend, or cancel pre-approvals at any time with ease.

To benefit from the service, PAM explained that employers should log in to the “Ashal ” portal for expatriate labor services, select the pre-approval management for exit permits option, and click on “search” to retrieve the list of registered workers. Employers can then select the required workers and complete the process by clicking “add.”

The authority said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to modernize labor-related services, enhance digital solutions, and improve the overall efficiency of government transactions.