Kuwait's New Exit Permits and Salary Rule for Expats
Starting July 1, 2025, Kuwait will enforce new regulations for private-sector expatriates. Under these rules, expats must obtain exit permits before leaving the country. Additionally, only those earning a minimum monthly salary of KWD 800 will be allowed to sponsor family members. These policy shifts are part of broader efforts to tighten the country’s existing kafala (sponsorship) system, which has long drawn criticism for limiting migrant worker autonomy.
Exit Permits Signal a Major Policy Shift
The introduction of exit permits marks a significant change for expatriate workers in Kuwait. Previously, many private-sector expats enjoyed relatively unrestricted mobility in and out of the country. Now, their ability to travel will hinge on employer consent and government approval. This shift is likely to trigger administrative challenges and raise fears of worker exploitation, particularly in lower-wage sectors.
Salary Threshold for Family Sponsorship
Alongside the exit permit requirement, the new KWD 800 monthly income rule places a stricter financial burden on expats who wish to bring or maintain family members in Kuwait. For many workers, especially in blue-collar jobs, this salary threshold will be out of reach. Critics argue this rule could lead to family separations and increased social stress within the expatriate community.
Human Rights Watch Flags Serious Concerns
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal in its criticism of the new exit permit policy. The organization warns that requiring employer-backed travel permissions deepens the already strong grip that sponsors have over workers’ lives. HRW describes the move as a regression in labor rights, likening it to systems that facilitate forced labor by severely restricting worker mobility and independence.
Mounting Backlash from Expats and Advocacy Groups
The upcoming rules have already sparked outcry among expat communities and rights organizations. Critics argue that these measures erode basic freedoms and reinforce a system of dependency that disadvantages migrant workers. Legal experts also caution that such policies may be out of step with international labor standards, further complicating Kuwait's human rights reputation on the global stage.
What’s Next for the Kafala System?
These changes underscore Kuwait’s continued reliance on the kafala system, despite calls for reform. While officials argue that the new rules enhance regulatory oversight and national security, human rights advocates see them as steps backward. As the July 2025 implementation date approaches, expect rising debate, legal challenges, and calls for policy reconsideration.