Kuwait has enforced a new travel rule for foreigners working in the private sector. From now on, they must get their employer’s permission before exiting the country.

New Directive from Top Authority

On Wednesday, the Public Authority of Manpower shared the update on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. It stated that First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef had issued the directive.

As per the new order, “Expatriate workers in the private sector must obtain an ‘exit permit’ from their registered employer before leaving the country.”

Human Rights Concerns Continue

Meanwhile, human rights groups have expressed concern. For years, they have criticised the kafala sponsorship system, which is widely used in Gulf countries.

This system ties a worker’s visa to their employer. As a result, many workers face restrictions when trying to change jobs or leave the country.

Another Layer of Restriction

Consequently, the new exit permit rule is seen as a step backward by many activists. It adds another layer of control over migrant workers.

Although Kuwait claims it aims to regulate labor, critics say such rules deepen worker dependency. They argue that reforms should give workers more freedom, not less.