Kuwait Joins Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, And More In New Exit Permit Requirements For Foreign Workers

Published on June 11, 2025

Kuwait’s new regulation, effective from July 1, 2025, requiring foreign workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer, has raised concerns about the erosion of workers’ freedoms. This move aligns Kuwait with other Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, where similar policies have been in place. While the Kuwaiti government cites the need for better monitoring and reduced worker absconding as reasons for the rule, human rights advocates argue that it deepens dependency on employers and restricts workers’ basic rights to mobility.

Starting from July 1, 2025, foreign workers employed in Kuwait’s private sector will be required to secure an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This new regulation is a key element of Kuwait’s kafala sponsorship system, sparking concerns regarding the erosion of workers’ freedoms, and aligning the country with similar policies seen in other Gulf nations.

Understanding the Exit Permit Requirement

An exit permit is an official authorization, either paper-based or digital, that grants foreign workers the right to leave their host country. This system, which ties workers’ mobility to their employers, is a key feature of the kafala system in several Gulf states. Under this new mandate in Kuwait, workers will not be able to leave the country without prior approval from their employers, even in the event of family emergencies or when their employment contract expires.

Why Kuwait Is Implementing This Policy

Kuwait Enforces Exit Permit Requirement for Foreign Workers to Strengthen Employer Control and Oversight

• Improve monitoring and control over the movement of foreign workers
• Resolve tensions and disagreements between employers and employees
• Strengthen the authority of employers over foreign employees
• Reduce cases of workers absconding or transferring jobs without approval

While the process for securing an exit permit will be conducted online, critics argue that it places an undue amount of power in the hands of employers, potentially curbing workers’ autonomy and mobility.

Comparing Exit Permit Policies Across the Gulf Region

The kafala system, a widely adopted employment structure in the Gulf region, has varying regulations in different countries:

Qatar made significant strides in reforming the kafala system by abolishing exit permits for most workers in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In contrast, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have maintained more stringent controls on worker movement.

Bahrain took a significant step in 2009 by eliminating the kafala system, granting migrant workers the ability to switch employers without needing approval from their current employer. Despite this reform, the implementation has been uneven, and many workers continue to encounter obstacles when it comes to mobility and employer influence.

Impact on Foreign Workers in Kuwait

As the new policy comes into effect, private sector workers will need to obtain explicit online permission from their employer before traveling. This requirement could lead to potential delays or even denials of travel requests, including in emergencies. Workers will increasingly rely on their employers’ consent to exercise basic mobility rights, regardless of their employment status or the nature of their job. It is estimated that this rule will impact over 2 million foreign workers in Kuwait.

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organizations have long criticized the kafala system, deeming it exploitative and restrictive. The introduction of exit permits exacerbates concerns that:

• Workers’ freedom of movement will be severely limited
• The system may lead to forced labor conditions
• Employers could use the travel restriction as a tool for further exploitation, threatening workers with travel denial as a means of control

The implementation of this new rule is expected to attract international scrutiny of Kuwait’s labor policies, especially concerning migrant worker rights.

Kuwait joins Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and more in implementing a new rule requiring foreign workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer, effective July 1, 2025. This move aligns with the kafala system and raises concerns over restricting workers’ freedoms.

Kuwait’s decision to impose exit permits for foreign workers in the private sector represents a significant shift in its labor landscape. While the government argues that the policy will help streamline oversight and address disputes, many critics fear it will increase dependency and potential exploitation. As the July 1, 2025 deadline approaches, both workers and employers will need to navigate this new digital clearance system, marking a crucial development in the ongoing debate about the kafala system’s impact on migrant labor rights.