Kuwait introduces digital multiple-trip exit permit to simplify worker travel for expats: All you need to know

Kuwait introduces a fully digital multiple-trip exit permit, making international travel easier and faster for expatriate workers while reducing paperwork for employers.

• Kuwait launches digital multiple-trip exit permit for expatriate workers
• New system simplifies travel, cuts paperwork, and reduces admin burden.
• Apply and manage permits online via Ashal portal or Sahel app.

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Kuwait has taken a significant step toward modernising its labour and travel procedures with the launch of a new digital multiple-trip exit permit for expatriate workers. Introduced by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), the initiative is designed to simplify international travel, reduce paperwork, and ease administrative pressure on both employers and employees.

The new system replaces the earlier requirement of obtaining a separate exit permit for every overseas journey, making travel more efficient for workers who frequently travel abroad for personal or professional reasons.

What Is Kuwait’s Multiple-Trip Exit Permit?

As part of Kuwait’s broader push toward digital governance and streamlined public services, the multiple-trip exit permit allows expatriate workers to exit and re-enter the country multiple times using a single permit within a specified validity period.

Previously, workers needed to apply for a fresh permit each time they planned to travel, leading to repeated approvals, delays, and additional administrative workload. According to reports, the upgraded permit system significantly reduces repetitive applications while offering greater flexibility to workers and employers alike.

Fully Digital and Integrated With Government Systems

One of the key highlights of the new exit permit system is its full electronic integration with the Ministry of Interior. Once a permit is approved, it is automatically transmitted to the relevant authorities, eliminating manual verification and ensuring smoother processing at exit points.

Both employers and employees can access and print approved permits at any time, adding convenience and transparency to the process.

Applications can be submitted through:

• Ashal portal (for companies and manpower services)
• Sahel App (for businesses and individual users)

All steps—from submission to approval—are handled digitally.

Choice Between Single-Trip and Multiple-Trip Permits

The system offers flexibility by allowing users to choose between:

• Single-trip exit permit
• Multiple-trip exit permit

Applicants can define the start and end dates for the permit’s validity period, depending on their travel needs. This ensures that workers who travel occasionally and those who travel frequently can both benefit from the service.

Automatic Pre-Approval for Faster Processing

To further streamline the process, the new system allows authorised signatories to grant advance automatic approval for exit permits. Employers can issue pre-approvals for individual workers, selected groups and all employees under a specific licence.

They also retain full control, with the ability to modify, suspend, exclude specific individuals, or cancel approvals whenever required.

Once an application is submitted, the system instantly generates a transaction number and displays the real-time status of the request, ensuring transparency and faster turnaround.

Officials have noted that this feature significantly reduces administrative pressure on employers while enabling quicker and more predictable travel approvals for workers.

How to Apply for Kuwait’s Multiple-Trip Exit Permit

Applying for the new multiple-trip exit permit is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to the Ashal portal (for companies and manpower services) or open the Sahel Business/Individuals app.
2. Select the type of permit: single-trip or multiple-trip.
3. Enter the start and end dates for the permit validity.
4. Submit the request.
5. Receive an instant transaction number and view the application status.

For employers granting pre-approval:

• Go to Pre-Approval Management.
• Search for registered workers.
• Select the required individuals.
• Click Add to finalise approval digitally.

Why This Move Matters

The introduction of the multiple-trip exit permit marks a major milestone in Kuwait’s labour reforms and digital transformation journey. By significantly reducing paperwork, speeding up approval timelines, and improving overall operational efficiency, the new system offers clear advantages to expatriate workers who travel frequently, employers responsible for managing large workforces, and government agencies tasked with overseeing labour mobility and compliance.

By simplifying exit and re-entry procedures, Kuwait is ensuring smoother travel experiences while aligning its labour services with global digital standards.

As Kuwait continues to digitise key government services, initiatives like this multiple-trip exit permit highlight the country’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and worker convenience.