Over 36,000 seek green light to fly

KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) started enforcing the mandatory electronic travel permit system for private sector expatriate workers on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. According to informed sources, over 36,000 applications were submitted, which reflects strong readiness and widespread use by both employers and workers. The new system requires every expatriate worker under Article 18 of the Foreigners’ Residence Law to obtain an electronic travel permit approved in advance by their employer through the “Sahel Individuals” app. Employers or company sponsors must approve requests via the “As-hal Companies” service.
PAM confirmed that the service operates 24/7, including weekends, and it contributes to Kuwait’s comprehensive digital transformation efforts. It affirmed that the new procedure enhances labor market regulation and protects the rights of all parties involved.
In a related development, Kuwait International Airport witnessed a busy flow of passengers, with thousands of expatriate workers departing on the first day of implementing the decision amid streamlined procedures characterized by flexibility and smoothness.
When the newspaper staff visited the airport on Tuesday, they witnessed heavy congestion. Nevertheless, the aforementioned PAM decision neither posed a restriction nor reduced the number of passengers who typically leave the country during summer to spend their vacation with their families and relatives abroad. The first flight that departed on the day the decision took effect was bound for India via Air India at 12:45 am, followed by another flight to the same destination. A reliable source confirmed to the newspaper that the agencies operating at the airport — including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Interior, along with the airlines — have started implementing an integrated logistical plan to facilitate the departure of passengers; while ensuring the speedy completion of procedures in line with the new decision.
The source indicated that the airport witnessed smooth and unhindered departure of passengers, as the relevant authorities are committed to implementing the new decision and providing the best services to passengers. In addition, the source revealed that some airlines issued a warning to work visa holders under Article 18 of the Foreign Residency Law, stressing the need to ensure they obtain an exit permit from their employers before traveling. The source said the airlines have instructed departing passengers who meet the new conditions that failure to obtain an exit permit will result in the cancellation of their flight reservation without any compensation to the passenger. He added that the airlines also pointed out that passengers are responsible for ensuring that their documents, including their passport, visa, and exit permit, are complete, indicating some airlines asked travelers to check their documents before arriving at the airport in order to avoid flight cancellations.