Who needs it
Sahel app steps
Video guide
Ashal portal steps
Permit types
If employer refuses
Your rights
FAQ
🚨
Mandatory since 1 July 2025 — no permit = no departure
All private sector expat workers (Article 18 residency holders) must have an employer-approved exit permit before leaving Kuwait. This applies to holidays, emergency travel, and final departure. Apply through the Sahel app or Ashal portal. Do NOT travel to the airport without approval confirmed in the system.
Who needs a Kuwait exit permit?
✅ Must get exit permit
- Private sector workers (Article 18)
- All nationalities — Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Egyptian, Bangladeshi, etc.
- Short trips (holidays, medical)
- Emergency travel
- Final departure / leaving Kuwait permanently
- Travel by air, land border, or seaport
❌ Not required for
- Dependents / family (Article 22 holders)
- Kuwaiti citizens
- GCC nationals
- Tourists / visit visa holders
- Government sector staff (separate internal process applies)
- Children and spouses of the primary worker
⚠️
Apply at least 2–3 days before travel
The permit is issued instantly once your employer approves — but chasing your HR or manager takes time. Don't apply the morning of your flight. Give yourself buffer days in case of delays or system issues.
How to apply via Sahel app (employee — step by step)
📱 Sahel app — exit permit request (employee side)
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1Download & open Sahel appDownload from Google Play or Apple App Store. Search "Sahel" — it's the official Kuwait government services app. Open the app and select your preferred language (English available).
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2Log in with your Civil IDEnter your Civil ID number and authenticate using the Kuwait Mobile ID (My Identity) app. Make sure your Mobile ID is already set up — you cannot log in without it.
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3Navigate to exit permit serviceFollow this exact path in the app:Navigation pathServices → Public Authority of Manpower → Expatriate Labour Service → Issuing Exit Permit
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4Read instructions & tap NextThe app will show a brief instructions screen. Read it and tap the Next / Continue button to proceed.
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5Enter your travel datesUse the calendar to select your departure date and your expected return date. Double-check these carefully — date errors are the most common cause of permit complications. Your details (name, Civil ID, employer info) are pulled automatically from your file.
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6Submit the applicationReview all details, then tap Submit Application. The system automatically routes your request to your employer's Sahel Business account for approval. You will receive a confirmation that the request was sent.
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7Track approval statusGo back to Services → your submitted requests to monitor the status. Keep checking until it shows Approved. If it stays pending for more than 24 hours, contact your HR or manager directly.
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8Permit issued — save itOnce your employer approves, the exit permit is issued digitally and instantly. Take a screenshot or save the confirmation. You may be asked to show it at the airport departure counter.
Video guide — Sahel app exit permit walkthrough
Watch this step-by-step video showing exactly how to navigate the Sahel app and submit your exit permit request:
Watch: How to Apply for Kuwait Exit Permit Online
Another step-by-step guide covering how to apply for a Kuwait exit permit online:
How to apply via Ashal portal (alternative method)
💡
When to use Ashal instead of Sahel
Large companies often manage exit permits centrally through the Ashal portal (ashal.pam.gov.kw) using the company HR account. If your HR department handles this for you, inform them of your travel dates and they submit from their side. You don't need to do anything in Sahel.
🖥️ Ashal portal — exit permit (employee account)
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1Go to Ashal portalVisit ashal.pam.gov.kw on your browser. This is the Public Authority of Manpower's official portal.
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2Log in to your employee accountSign in using your Civil ID and credentials. First-time users may need to register.
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3Navigate to exit permit serviceNavigation pathServices → Issuance of Exit Permit
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4Read instructions & click NextReview the on-screen instructions, then proceed.
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5Select your departure and return datesUse the calendar pickers to enter your travel dates accurately.
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6Submit the applicationClick Submit Application. The request is routed to your employer's company account for approval.
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7Track & print after approvalMonitor status in the Application Tracking section. Once approved, print the permit from the tracking screen or save the digital copy.
🏢 Ashal portal — exit permit approval (employer / HR side)
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1Log in to company account on AshalHR logs in using the company credentials at ashal.pam.gov.kw.
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2Go to Expatriate Worker ServicesNavigation pathExpatriate Worker Services → Issuance of Exit Permit
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3Select the worker & confirm datesChoose the employee from the file, verify the departure and return dates match what was agreed.
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4Submit approvalClick Submit. The permit is issued instantly to the employee's account and file.
Single-trip vs multiple-trip exit permit
🎫 Single-trip permit
Valid for one departure and one return journey only. You must apply again before your next trip. Most commonly issued for one-off travel such as annual leave or emergency trips.
🎟️ Multiple-trip permit
Allows several exits and re-entries within a defined validity period. Reduces the need to apply before every trip. Availability depends on your employer's approval and company policy — ask your HR whether this is available to you.
Sahel app vs Ashal portal — which should you use?
| Feature | Sahel App (mobile) | Ashal Portal (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Used by | Individual employee | Employee OR company HR |
| Device | Smartphone only | Any browser (PC / phone) |
| Login | Civil ID + Mobile ID authentication | Civil ID + Ashal credentials |
| Best for | Most expats — quick and easy | Companies managing many permits centrally |
| Employer approval | Routed to employer's Sahel Business app | Routed to employer's Ashal company account |
| Speed after approval | Instant | Instant |
| Recommended if | Your company says "apply yourself" | Your HR says "we'll handle it" |
What if your employer refuses or doesn't respond?
🚫
Employer cannot legally withhold approval without valid cause
If your employer refuses your exit permit request without a legitimate reason, or simply does not respond, you have legal recourse through PAM (Public Authority of Manpower).
⚖️ Your rights if approval is delayed or refused
- 1️⃣First, contact your HR department or direct manager and ask them to approve the request. Many delays are simply due to HR not seeing the notification.
- 2️⃣If HR does not respond within 24–48 hours before your travel date, escalate to a senior manager or your company's PRO (Public Relations Officer).
- 3️⃣If the employer refuses without valid reason, file a formal complaint with PAM at pam.gov.kw or through the Ashal portal. PAM will intervene to investigate and can compel approval.
- 4️⃣Valid reasons an employer can withhold: active financial dispute, unserved notice period, or pending legal matter tied to your employment file. Disputes about general performance or disagreements are NOT valid grounds for refusal.
- 5️⃣Keep a written record (WhatsApp, email) of your request to your employer and their response — this is useful evidence if you file a PAM complaint.
Frequently asked questions — Kuwait exit permit
Who needs a Kuwait exit permit?
All private sector expatriate workers holding Article 18 residency must get an employer-approved exit permit before leaving Kuwait. This rule has been in effect since 1 July 2025. Dependents (spouse, children on Article 22), Kuwaiti citizens, and GCC nationals do not need an exit permit.
How do I apply for a Kuwait exit permit on the Sahel app?
Open Sahel → Services → Public Authority of Manpower → Expatriate Labour Service → Issuing Exit Permit. Enter your departure and return dates, submit. The request goes to your employer automatically. Once they approve, the permit is issued digitally within seconds.
How long does it take to get the exit permit approved?
The permit is issued instantly the moment your employer approves in the system. The total time depends on how fast your HR responds. Most approvals happen within a few hours during working hours. Apply at least 2–3 days before travel to have buffer time.
What happens if I leave Kuwait without an exit permit?
Leaving without a valid approved exit permit can result in fines, difficulties renewing your iqama on return, and potential complications with your residency status. Airports are connected to the system — do not risk it. Always get the permit approved first.
Can my employer refuse to give me an exit permit?
Employers can only legally withhold approval if there is a legitimate reason such as an active financial dispute, pending legal matter, or unserved notice period. If your employer refuses without valid grounds, file a complaint with PAM at pam.gov.kw. Withholding exit permits arbitrarily is a violation of labour regulations.
What is the difference between single-trip and multiple-trip exit permits?
A single-trip permit covers one departure and one return. A multiple-trip permit allows several trips within a validity window. You must apply for a new single-trip permit before each trip. Ask your HR if a multiple-trip option is available for your situation.
My company's HR handles exit permits — do I need to do anything in Sahel?
No. If your company manages exit permits centrally through the Ashal portal (common at large employers), you just inform HR of your travel dates. They submit and approve from the company side. You don't need to submit anything in Sahel — but confirm with your HR that the permit has been issued before you travel.
I use the Ashal portal — where exactly do I find the exit permit option?
Log in to ashal.pam.gov.kw with your employee account → Services → Issuance of Exit Permit. Follow the prompts, enter your travel dates, and submit. Your employer's HR account receives the request for approval.
Does the exit permit rule apply to final departure — leaving Kuwait for good?
Yes. Even if you are leaving Kuwait permanently, you still need an employer-approved exit permit before departing. Make sure to also get a formal release / end-of-service clearance from your employer, and collect your final salary and gratuity before leaving.