Kuwait has announced a new regulation that will require foreign workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country, effective July 1, 2025. This decision has raised significant concerns regarding the erosion of workers’ freedoms and aligns Kuwait with other Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, which have similar policies in place. While the Kuwaiti government cites improved monitoring and reduced cases of worker absconding as justifications for the rule, human rights advocates argue that it deepens dependency on employers and restricts basic rights to mobility.

Under the new regulation, foreign workers will not be able to leave Kuwait without prior approval from their employers, even in cases of family emergencies or upon the expiration of their employment contracts. This exit permit can be either paper-based or digital and is a key element of the kafala sponsorship system, which ties workers’ mobility to their employers. Critics of the policy express concerns that it places excessive power in the hands of employers, potentially undermining workers’ autonomy.

The Kuwaiti government has stated that the exit permit requirement aims to enhance control over the movement of foreign workers and resolve disputes between employers and employees. The authorities believe that this policy will strengthen employers’ oversight and reduce instances of workers transferring jobs without permission. Critics, however, worry that this process may lead to delays or even outright denials of travel requests, which could adversely impact workers’ basic mobility rights.

In comparison to Kuwait, other Gulf nations have taken varying approaches to the kafala system. For instance, Qatar has abolished exit permits for most workers in a significant reform effort leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Bahrain, on the other hand, eliminated the kafala system in 2009, allowing migrant workers to change employers without needing consent from their current employer, although implementation has been inconsistent.

As the new policy takes effect, it is estimated that over 2 million foreign workers in Kuwait will be affected. The requirement for explicit online permission from employers before travel could create numerous challenges, especially in emergencies. Human rights organizations have criticized the kafala system for being exploitative and restrictive, and this new exit permit rule is expected to draw international scrutiny regarding Kuwait’s labor practices and the rights of migrant workers.

This latest development marks a crucial moment in Kuwait’s labor landscape, as the government seeks to streamline oversight while critics fear it may exacerbate dependency and potential exploitation of foreign workers. As the July 1, 2025 deadline approaches, both employers and workers will need to adapt to this new digital clearance system amidst ongoing debates about the kafala system’s impact on migrant labor rights.