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Kuwait has quietly made travel easier for foreign workers. The country has introduced a multiple-trip exit permit, replacing the need to apply for a fresh exit permit every time a worker wants to leave the country.

For anyone living and working in Kuwait, this is a small change with a big impact.

Instead of repeating paperwork for each trip, eligible foreign workers can now leave and return to Kuwait multiple times using a single permit, as long as it stays valid.

What Is an Exit Permit in Kuwait?

An exit permit is official permission that allows a foreign worker to leave Kuwait legally.

Kuwait requires exit permits to ensure employers are aware of their employees’ travel plans and to manage residency and labour records. Without this approval, a worker cannot exit the country, even if they hold a valid residency permit.

In short, no exit permit means no departure.

Why Exit Permits Are Required

Kuwait’s exit permit system is linked to its sponsorship and labour framework.

The permit helps authorities:

• Track the movement of foreign workers
• Prevent residency violations
• Ensure workers return within their allowed residency period

It also protects employers by keeping travel records transparent and regulated.

What Happens If You Travel Without an Exit Permit?

Trying to leave Kuwait without a valid exit permit can cause serious problems. You may face:

• Being stopped at the airport or border
• Fines or delays
• Possible legal issues with residency status
• Trouble re-entering Kuwait later

Even if your residency is valid, missing an exit permit can block your travel completely.

What Is the Multiple-Trip Exit Permit?

The multiple-trip exit permit allows foreign workers to leave and re-enter Kuwait several times during a set validity period.

Until now, all foreign workers had to apply for a single-trip exit permit before every journey. That meant more paperwork, more approvals, and more waiting.

Now, one permit covers multiple trips.

Key Benefits of the Multiple-Trip Exit Permit

This update brings several practical advantages.

• Less paperwork: No need to apply before every trip.
• Faster travel planning: Workers can book flights without waiting for fresh approvals.
• Ideal for frequent travellers: Useful for business travel, family visits, or emergencies.
• Lower stress for employers and workers: Fewer applications mean fewer delays and mistakes.

Overall, it makes travel smoother and more predictable.

How to Apply for the Exit Permit

Employers and foreign workers can apply online through:

• Ashal portal
• Sahel mobile application

The process is digital, reducing visits to government offices and cutting processing time.

What This Means for Foreign Workers

This change shows a move toward simpler travel rules for expats living in Kuwait.

For foreign workers who travel often, the multiple-trip exit permit saves time, reduces hassle, and removes repeated approvals from the process.

It does not remove the exit permit requirement, but it makes the system far more practical.

If you work in Kuwait and travel more than once a year, this is a rule worth understanding and using properly.