In a significant policy shift, Kuwait has implemented a new regulation requiring all expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain employer-approved exit permits before leaving the country. Effective today, this mandate aims to enhance regulatory oversight but has raised concerns among human rights organizations about its impact on workers’ freedoms.
Overview of the New Policy
Under the new regulation, expatriate workers must submit a departure request through the Ministry of Interior’s “Ashal” online portal or the “Sahel” smartphone application. The request must include intended dates of departure and return. Employers are required to approve or deny these requests, and the final exit permit will be accessible via the Sahel app. The policy applies to all private sector workers, including those holding Article 18 visas.
Government’s Rationale
The Kuwaiti government asserts that the exit permit system is designed to strengthen oversight of expatriate labor mobility and ensure a balance between workers’ and employers’ rights. Marzouq Al-Otaibi, Director of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), emphasized that the regulation is not restrictive but rather a basic worker’s wish, allowing them to choose their exit during the application process.
Human Rights Concerns
Despite official assertions, human rights organizations have expressed significant concerns about the new policy. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the regulation, stating that it deepens the control employers have over migrant workers and increases their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. Michael Page, Deputy Director of HRW’s Middle East and North Africa Division, remarked that the decision is an alarming step backward in Kuwait’s migrant worker governance. Instead of dismantling the kafala (visa sponsorship) system, the Kuwaiti state is reinforcing it by putting migrant workers even further under the control of their employers.
Similarly, the Human Rights Research Center (HRRC) criticized the policy as a regressive violation of international human rights standards. HRRC’s Aamnah Fatima Khan noted that the policy undermines the basic freedom of movement for over two million vulnerable workers.
Implementation and Public Reaction
The implementation of the new exit permit system has been met with mixed reactions. While some expatriate workers have expressed understanding of the government’s intent to regulate labor mobility, many are concerned about the potential for abuse and the additional power it grants employers. The requirement to obtain employer approval before leaving the country has been viewed by some as a restriction on personal freedom and autonomy.
In response to the policy, Jazeera Airways issued a travel advisory, informing expatriate passengers about the new exit permit requirement and advising them to ensure they have the necessary approvals before booking international flights.
As the new exit permit system takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will impact the relationship between expatriate workers and their employers. Human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for reforms that protect the rights and freedoms of migrant workers. The international community is also watching Kuwait’s actions, as the country navigates the balance between regulatory oversight and the protection of individual rights.
