Kuwait Exit Permit | Want to travel on Thursday but Leave starts on Saturday
Kuwait Exit Permit | Want to travel on Thursday but Leave starts on Saturday
From July 1, 2025, every private‑sector expatriate in Kuwait (those on Article‑18 visas) must secure an electronic exit permit, approved by their employer, before traveling—whether for a short trip or permanently .
🛂 Who Does This Affect?
- All private‑sector expats and their dependents.
- Public‑sector employees already require permissions, but now private‑sector workers do too .
📋 When to Apply
- You can submit a request no earlier than 7 days, and no later than 24 hours before your travel date .
If your permissible leave officially begins on Saturday, but you plant to depart Thursday, you’ll likely face denial at the immigration counter, because:
The permit records departure date doesn’t match.
Departing before your approved leave start is considered a violation. (Hence you will not be able to depart).
You must align your application with the actual travel dates, so for a Thursday departure, set your travel period to start Thursday.
🖥️ How to Get It
- Employee logs in to the SAHEL app or the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) website, enters Civil ID, travel date, and transport mode.
- The request is sent electronically to the employer.
- Employer reviews and approves via SAHEL‑Business or Ashal portal.
- After approval, the digital permit is instantly issued .
Request the HR department to Adjust the leave dates in the Sahel App:
1. Communicate clearly with the HR Department about the travel needs and the legal requirements for that the leave date and the departure date.
2. this ensures that the Sahel App permit aligns with the departure date, avoiding denial at the Airport.
Employers and companies are required to comply with the employee leave regulations set by the Public Authority for Manpower. Friday off day is generally not deducted from your annual leave entitlement.
🏷️ Why It Exists
Authorities say this system:
- Enhances legal compliance and labor-market oversight.
- Balances employers’ and workers’ rights.
- Prevents illegal departures or contract violations .
🧰 What If the Employer Refuses?
- Employees can file a complaint with PAM if the employer unjustly denies the request .
- However, some workers worry it could be exploited to trap them in abusive work situations .
✈️ At the Airport
- Airlines (e.g., Jazeera Airways) have warned passengers—no exit permit means no boarding, and airlines won’t compensate for missed flights .
🌍 Regional Context
- Kuwait joins other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman with employer-linked exit permits.
- The UAE remains the only GCC state that does not impose this system .
⚠️ Rights & Risks
- Critics, like Human Rights Watch, say it reinforces the kafala sponsorship system, making workers more vulnerable and limiting freedom to leave .
- They warn employers could abuse this tool to prevent departures or retaliate.
✅ What You Should Do
- Plan ahead: Submit your permit request within 7–1 day before travel.
- Ensure accuracy: Make sure your Civil ID and employer details match the records.
- Stay alert: Confirm your employer has approved before heading to the airport.
- Know your recourse: If denied without justification, you can lodge a complaint with PAM.
| Step | What to Do | Timeline |
| 1 | Submit permit via SAHEL or PAM portal | 7 days – 24 hrs before travel |
| 2 | Employer reviews on SAHEL-Business / Ashal | Instant |
| 3 | Digital exit permit issued | Immediately |
| 4 | Bring permit to airport or risk denial | Mandatory |
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This new requirement is mandatory and strictly enforced. Without following it, you won’t be allowed to board—and it could even delay flights for others. If you’re affected, coordinate early with your employer, track the status of your permit, and know your rights if something goes wrong.
Kuwait Exit Permit | Want to travel on Thursday but Leave starts on Saturday
