Are you planning to leave Kuwait and are unsure whether you need an exit permit? For citizens, it’s quite straightforward to leave Kuwait, although traveling is not always seamless for all degrees of visitors under various visa classifications. The Kuwait Exit-Permit system is an important part of the system of exit approvals, and to some degree, not everyone is treated alike.
This detailed guideline will answer all of your questions about an exit permit from Kuwait for 2026, including who’s exempt and how to apply.
What is the Kuwait Exit-Permit?
An Exit Permit is a government document that is needed by certain categories of residents to exit from the Kingdom of Kuwait. The primary purpose of this is to monitor and control the movement of labour, to ensure lawfulness, and to ensure that employees are aware that they are required to obtain formal approval in order to travel overseas.
The system incorporates a portion of Kuwait’s labor/residency system and is connected to visa sponsorship requirements.
The exit permit system is in place to:
- Control the flow of labour between countries
- Make sure that employees get their travel time to their employers.
- Prevent legal disputes related to contracts or dues
It is also an important legal requirement for expatriates to exit Kuwait, particularly for those working in the private sector.
Apply for the Kuwait Exit-Permit via the Sahel App
Step 1: Download the Sahel App
Download the official Sahel application from your mobile app store.
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
Log in to the App; Enter your Civil ID Number and confirm your identity with an OTP.
Log in carefully to the platform. You must log in correctly in order to access all the services on the platform.
Step 3: Go to Services
On the main dashboard of the Sahel App, go to the Services section.
All government-related digital services are in this section, and so are travel and permit-related services.
Step 4: Open Exit Permit Section
In the services menu, find and select Exit Permit Section.
Step 5: Departure Permit Request
Click on Departure Permit Request to begin your application.
Here you will see a section where you need to fill in the following basic information about your travel and confirm your request before submitting it.
Step 6: Get Request Number
After you have submitted your application, you will be given a request number to track your application.
Be sure to save this number; they will use it to find out the state of your exit permit approval later in the app.
Kuwait Exit-Permit Rules by Category
You may need an exit permit depending on your employment/residence status. Below are the latest classifications according to rules and updates.
Private-Sector Employees (Article 18)
Workers in the private sector are required to have an exit visa before they leave the country. This applies to:
- The workforce employed by private companies.
- Salaried workers under sponsorship
- Project-based visa holders
- Wages paid pursuant to a labour contract
Public-Sector Employees (Article 17)
At present, no permit is required by public-sector employees when exiting.
Key Updates:
- The government owns the airport, and employees are able to move in.
- This exemption case is part of the new amendments to the Labor policy.
- As of July 2025, no public employee needs to have an exit permit.
Dependents on Family Visas (Article 22)
An exit permit might be required for dependent family members, as per the sponsor’s status, who reside in Kuwait on a family visa.
Conditions:
- Permit rules for exiting employment may apply if the sponsor is an employee.
- The sponsor is responsible for submitting the application
- Most of the time, it’s not possible for a dependent to apply alone.
Domestic Workers (Article 20)
Currently, there is no law requiring a migrant domestic worker to obtain an exit permit.
Important Updates:
- At this time, no exit passes are required for leaving.
- Rules may change in future updates
Domestic workers include:
- Housemaids
- Drivers
- Household assistants
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Employer Not Approving Request
- Contact the HR department
- Make sure there are no outstanding dues or contract matters.
2. Application Delay
- Check system updates
- Reconfirm submitted details
3. Incorrect Data Entry
- Clear and concise with appropriate information.
4. Technical Issues in App
- Update Sahel app
- Clear cache or reinstall
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all people have to be issued the Kuwait exit permit?
No, this is mostly for those working in the private sector and some dependent categories.
What is the time period for approval?
This will always come down to the employer, and typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Can I travel without an exit permit?
Private-sector employees will normally have to obtain permission before they can miss work.
Do you need the Sahel app?
Yes, it’s the official method for handling withdrawal enquiries.
Are there any reasons for the rejection of an exit permit?
Yes, contracts and administrative may give employers the freedom to refuse a request.
Read Also: Kuwait Civil ID Reference Number (Get It Fast)
Final Words
The Kuwait Exit-Permit system is an essential part of travel regulations for expatriates, especially those working in the private sector. Knowing the rules according to your type of visa assists you in staying away from travel delays and legal hassles.
The requirements do, however, differ from person to person depending on the employment, sponsoring status, and changes in government.
