Latest news with #Ashal
Arab Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Employer Delaying Your Exit Permit? File A Complaint Now
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Under Circular No. 2/2025 issued recently by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain exit permits from their registered employers before leaving the country (effective from the beginning of this month), more than 100,000 exit permits have been issued to private sector expatriate workers since the implementation of the decision. Sources said the exit permits are processed through the automated systems of PAM, Ashal platform, and Sahel app, indicating the total number of issued permits is expected to double in the coming days as the travel season gains momentum. Sources disclosed that in order to streamline the process and ensure faster completion of travel procedures, the authority completed an automated link with the Ports Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, thereby ensuring the immediate sharing of exit permit data. Sources added PAM recommends that workers print a hard copy of the permit before traveling, in case it is requested by the airlines. Sources also affirmed that only a small number of complaints regarding permit issuance have been received so far -- mostly concerning employer delays or refusal, which were promptly addressed and resolved. Sources clarified that in cases where an employer is unreasonably withholding or delaying approval, the affected worker is advised to visit the Labor Relations Unit corresponding to their company's file to lodge a formal complaint, under legal procedures. They reiterated that approval from the employer remains a requirement for the permit to be issued. Sources also quoted PAM as saying there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually per worker, as long as the employer approves, adding that the system remains open and unrestricted in this regard. Sources explained that the time needed to obtain a permit ( especially in emergencies) depends primarily on the speed of employer approval. 'Therefore, workers are advised to submit their requests well in advance of their travel dates and to coordinate directly with their employers in urgent situations to expedite the process,' sources elaborated. Sources pointed out that workers can either print the approved permit or present it through the Sahel Individuals app to port authorities. They said the Sahel Individuals app enables workers to submit electronic exit permit requests, while the Sahel Business app allows employers to review and approve these requests quickly and conveniently.
Arab Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Moves to Protect Expat Workers' Rights with New Enforcement
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Under the directives of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to monitor the enforcement of the Cabinet's decision on the timely payment of workers' salaries and wages, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) recently suspended several files of private businesses and companies that have been late in paying their workers' salaries or in depositing them regularly in local banks. They affirmed that this measure aims to protect workers' legal rights, which is a top priority for PAM. The sources explained that the suspension does not prevent the renewal of workers' files, nor does it block their transfer to another employer whose file is not suspended. This step is taken under Article 57 of Law No. 6/2010 concerning labor in the private sector, which states that 'an employer who hires no fewer than five workers, as per the law's provisions, is obligated to deposit their salaries into accounts at local financial institutions and submit copies of the bank statements to PAM.' The first phase of suspension targeted non-compliant business owners and companies in the private sector, based on the employer's commitment through PAM's automated systems to adhere to the requirements of the aforementioned article. This serves as a precautionary warning. While emphasizing that the suspension is primarily a warning to employers to ensure timely salary transfers to local financial institutions, the sources stressed that, under direct orders from Minister Sheikh Fahad, PAM will not tolerate any harm to Kuwait's reputation in human rights, especially regarding the rights of expatriate workers. They explained that PAM warned companies that fail to pay their workers' salaries regularly that immediate legal action will be taken against them. It affirmed its continued monitoring of employers to ensure full compliance with salary payment and deposit requirements in accordance with the Labor Law. Once the conditions are met, the suspension will be automatically lifted from the company or employer without the need for further review. Regarding the suspension of files and renewals, the sources clarified that suspending a company's file does not prevent the renewal of its workers' permits nor their transfer to a nonsuspended employer's file. This ensures that workers are not harmed or end up being in violation of residency laws. However, suspending an employer's file also halts the addition of new workers and the processing of need assessment requests until the employer's legal status with the Authority is rectified. The employer must fully commit to transferring workers' salaries to their accounts and provide reasons for any delays or failures through PAM's automated system via the 'Ashal' service. Suspending a file also means suspending the addition of new workers and the processing of need assessment procedures. It is worth highlighting that in October 2024, Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed that he would take firm action against all companies violating the Cabinet's decision on the timely payment of salaries and wages to their workers.
Arab Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
No Salary Transfers? No New Hires—Kuwait Suspends Private Sector Files
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: Official sources stated that the recent suspension of some private sector company files was due to violations of Kuwait's private sector labor law and its amended regulations. These regulations mandate that employers with five or more workers must transfer employee salaries through banks. The sources clarified that the first phase of the suspension targeted non-compliant employers as a precautionary measure, aimed at urging them to comply with salary transfer requirements. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) will continue monitoring employers to ensure full adherence to the law. They further noted that enforcement actions are being carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, in line with Cabinet decisions to ensure timely wage payments. The sources emphasized Kuwait's commitment to protecting its international reputation, particularly concerning human rights and the treatment of expatriate workers. Importantly, they assured that suspending an employer's file does not impact the ability to renew permits for existing employees or transfer them to compliant employers. This ensures that workers are not penalized or rendered in violation of residency laws. In conclusion, the sources explained that suspension of an employer's file halts the hiring of new workers and the workforce needs assessment process until the employer rectifies their legal status. This includes transferring salaries and entering the necessary legal justifications for any non-transfer into PAM's Ashal system.
Gulf Insider
03-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Issues 35,000 Exit Permits Since New Rule For Expat Workers Took Effect
More than 35,000 exit permits have been issued since Kuwait began enforcing a new rule on July 1 requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain prior approval from their employers before leaving the country, authorities confirmed this week. The policy, introduced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf, aims to regulate the departure process for expatriates while ensuring alignment with labour and residency laws. Marzouq Al Otaibi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, said all issued permits met the necessary criteria and were submitted through official employer channels. He emphasised that the process has been streamlined through digital platforms to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Workers and employers can now submit and approve requests via the 'Sahel' mobile app or the 'Ashal' manpower portal. Employers must provide their consent through 'Sahel Business' or the corporate version of 'Ashal', ensuring that applications are processed in line with the authority's regulations. The system is available 24/7, and expatriate workers are required to complete an electronic form detailing personal information and travel history. The goal, Al Otaibi noted, is to ensure legal compliance while protecting the rights of both employees and employers. 'If an employer unjustifiably refuses or delays permission, the worker has the right to file a complaint with the labour relations unit associated with the company's file,' Al Otaibi added, clarifying that there is no cap on the number of exit permits issued annually, provided employers grant approval.
Arab Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
35,000 Exit Permits Issued as Kuwait's New Travel Rule Enforced
KUWAIT CITY, July 1: The Public Authority for Manpower has begun enforcing a new ministerial directive issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef from today (July 1st) . The directive requires expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This measure aims to regulate the departure process and ensure compliance with labor and residency laws. Marzouq Al-Otaibi, Director General of the Authority, stated that 35,000 exit permits have already been issued since the service was launched, all of which met the required criteria and were approved through official employer submissions. Al-Otaibi emphasized that the Authority, under ministerial guidance, has worked to streamline and digitize the process. Applications can be submitted and approved through the "Sahel Individuals" mobile app or the "Ashal" Manpower portal. Employers must approve the request via "Sahel Business" or the corporate version of "Ashal", ensuring the process aligns with the Authority's regulations. Both workers and employers can access and submit requests online at any time, 24/7. Expatriate workers are required to fill out an official form containing their personal details and travel history. This form must be submitted electronically through the designated platform for fast and accurate processing. The goal, Al-Otaibi explained, is to regulate expatriate departures, reinforce legal compliance, and safeguard the rights of both workers and employers. He added that if an employer unjustifiably refuses or delays granting permission, the worker has the right to file a complaint with the relevant labor relations unit linked to the company's file, following legal procedures. He also clarified that there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually, provided the employer grants approval.
