Starting 1 July 2025, every private‑sector expatriate holding an Article 18 work visa must obtain an electronically issued exit permit before boarding a flight out of Kuwait.
Employees submit requests in the Sahel Individuals app, and employers approve or reject them via the As‑hal (Sahel Business) portal; airlines are instructed to deny boarding if the QR‑coded permit is missing.
For HR and mobility teams, this adds a time‑bound compliance step to every business trip, home leave, and final departure that must be sequenced alongside leave approvals and identity checks.
Who needs an exit permit?
The 5‑step exit‑permit workflow
Exit permit vs re‑entry permit
Key takeaway: The exit permit is a one‑time clearance tied to a specific flight date; the re‑entry permit governs return rights over a longer window. HR should coordinate both when employees travel frequently.
Compliance pitfalls to avoid
Last‑minute payroll file gaps: If the most recent payroll posting isn’t reflected in the labor system, automated checks may hold the request; reconcile files at least three days before submission.
Residency near expiry: If residency is approaching expiry, the system may require renewal before exit‑permit approval; renew first, then request exit.
Unresolved traffic matters: Open items in the Ministry of Interior feed can block requests even when issues seem minor; clear status flags proactively.
Incorrect e‑ticket PNR: Airlines match the permit’s PNR to the booking; mismatches can invalidate the permit at the gate.
Non‑aligned leave dates: If the permit date precedes the approved leave start in HRIS, validation can fail at immigration.
FAQs
How long does an exit‑permit approval take?
Most requests clear within 24 hours when records and compliance items are fully aligned.Can an employee apply while abroad?
No. The permit must be issued before departure; a separate re‑entry authorization governs return.Does the family‑visa sponsorship threshold affect exit permits?
Indirectly. Dependents linked to a private‑sector sponsor also require an exit permit; sponsorship thresholds pertain to sponsorship eligibility, not to exit‑permit approval.
Resources and tools
Exit‑Permit Timeline Worksheet: Slot tasks into your mobility calendar.
Kuwait Travel Compliance Tracker: Flags residency expiries and system status checks 15 days in advance.
Weekly Policy Updates: Subscribe for summarized changes relevant to HR and mobility.
Bottom line
Exit permits introduce a new, time‑bound checkpoint in every private‑sector trip. With a seven‑day lead time, centralized employer approval in As‑hal, aligned leave dates, and proactive data checks, HR can keep travel plans on schedule and assignees productive.
