天美麻豆

Exit permit introduced for foreign workers in the private sector

Private-sector workers holding residency under Article 18 will now be required to obtain their employer's approval before leaving the country. The exit permit will be mandatory regardless of the reason for departure (vacation, permanent exit, etc.).

The application must be submitted online鈥攅ither via the Sahel app or the Public Authority for Manpower's website ()鈥攂y providing personal details and travel dates. The employer will then review the request and either approve it automatically or reject it with a stated reason. In cases of unjustified refusal or no response, the foreign worker may escalate the request to the Public Authority for Manpower.

This rule takes effect on July 1 and also applies to the worker's dependents. The measure aims to prevent the 鈥渆scape鈥� of foreign workers and to reinforce the kafala (sponsorship) system.

Higher minimum income required for family visa sponsorship

Foreign workers in Kuwait must now earn at least 800 Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $2,615) to sponsor their spouse or children. However, they are no longer required to hold a university degree or have a job that matches their academic qualifications.

This educational requirement has been lifted since July 2024. Expatriates who have already brought their families to Kuwait but no longer meet the new income threshold have one month to comply. Otherwise, their dependents will be required to leave the country.

Useful links:

Sahel app: ;