KUWAIT CITY, June 17: The Kuwait government has once again reminded expats about a major regulatory move requiring all expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an official “exit permit” from their employers before departing the country. The policy, which comes into effect on July 1, 2025, was introduced through a ministerial circular issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The measure, aimed at enhancing oversight of expatriate labor mobility and reinforcing labor laws, is being implemented by the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). According to PAM, expatriate workers must electronically submit an exit permit request to their registered employers through an official platform. The request must include the employee’s personal information and intended travel date, using a form approved by the Authority.

The move is intended to balance the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers while reducing legal violations associated with unsanctioned departures. “This circular is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the work environment and ensure legal compliance,” PAM said in a statement.

Authorities stressed that the new system is designed to protect workers’ rights, ensure employers are notified in advance of departures, and minimize labor-related disputes. Employers are expected to process these requests promptly, and both parties are urged to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

The exit permit requirement represents a significant shift in Kuwait’s labor policy, aligning with broader regional trends to formalize and regulate expatriate employment practices across the Gulf.