KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Public Authority for Manpower has begun enforcing a new ministerial directive issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef from today (July 1st) . The directive requires expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This measure aims to regulate the departure process and ensure compliance with labor and residency laws.

Marzouq Al-Otaibi, Director General of the Authority, stated that 35,000 exit permits have already been issued since the service was launched, all of which met the required criteria and were approved through official employer submissions.

Al-Otaibi emphasized that the Authority, under ministerial guidance, has worked to streamline and digitize the process. Applications can be submitted and approved through the "Sahel Individuals" mobile app or the "Ashal" Manpower portal. Employers must approve the request via "Sahel Business" or the corporate version of "Ashal", ensuring the process aligns with the Authority's regulations.

Both workers and employers can access and submit requests online at any time, 24/7. Expatriate workers are required to fill out an official form containing their personal details and travel history. This form must be submitted electronically through the designated platform for fast and accurate processing.

The goal, Al-Otaibi explained, is to regulate expatriate departures, reinforce legal compliance, and safeguard the rights of both workers and employers. He added that if an employer unjustifiably refuses or delays granting permission, the worker has the right to file a complaint with the relevant labor relations unit linked to the company’s file, following legal procedures.

He also clarified that there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually, provided the employer grants approval.