Kuwait: Mandatory Exit Permits for Foreign Nationals Exiting Kuwait Forthcoming

Effective July 1, 2025, foreign nationals employed in the private sector will be required to obtain an exit permit before leaving the country – regardless of whether the departure is temporary or permanent. Currently, such foreign nationals do not require any exit permit. To obtain an exit permit, employees will need to first initiate a request via the Sahel application (including personal details, travel dates and methods of transportation). Their employer will then need to approve the request via the As-hal portal. Once approved, the exit permit should be immediately accessible on the employee’s Sahel application. Delays may occur during the initial implementation phase of this new policy. It remains unclear at this stage whether multiple-use or long-term exit permits will be offered. We are continuing to monitor the situation.