Direct, Clear, and Action-Oriented (Best for a formal guide)
Kuwait Exit Permit Rules: One Permit, One Trip
The Core Rule: When planning back-to-back international trips from Kuwait, it is critical to understand that a Kuwait Exit Permit authorizes only a single departure, irrespective of the validity date range listed in the Sahel app. While the permit may be valid for a week, it is consumed and canceled the moment you successfully exit the country.
The Reader’s Confusion: Many expatriates mistakenly believe that a permit valid for a period (e.g., Nov 9-15) can cover multiple trips within those dates. This misunderstanding often leads to complications at immigration when trying to depart for a second, immediate trip.
The Question (Reader’s Scenario): “Dear Arab Times, I have two international trips scheduled for the same week: Kuwait to Abu Dhabi, returning on November 14th, and then immediately leaving for India on the very same day. My current Exit Permit is valid from November 9th to 15th. Does one permit cover both departures, or do I need to obtain two separate Exit Permits?”
The Answer: The “Exit Permit” is authorization for a single exit. Once you use the permit to depart for Abu Dhabi, it is considered consumed and is no longer valid for your second trip to India. When you return to Kuwait from Abu Dhabi, you must apply for a brand new, separate Exit Permit through the Sahel app before attempting your second departure to India.
Structured, Clear, and Action-Focused (Recommended)
🚫 The Final Answer: Two Trips Require Two Permits
You absolutely cannot use a single Kuwait Exit Permit for multiple departures.
Although the permit displays a multi-day validity period (e.g., November 9-15), this only indicates the window during which your single authorized exit must occur. The permit is canceled and consumed the moment you successfully pass through immigration to leave Kuwait.
The Requirement for Your Scenario:
Since you are making two exits—first to Abu Dhabi and then, immediately after returning, a second exit to India—you must secure two separate Exit Permits.
📝 How to Manage the Applications
- First Permit (Abu Dhabi): Apply for the first permit, strictly covering the dates of your initial departure (e.g., November 10th) and return. Once you exit, this permit becomes invalid.
- Second Permit (India): Upon your arrival back in Kuwait (e.g., November 14th), you must immediately apply for the new, second Exit Permit to cover your departure to India (e.g., starting November 14th).
Pro Tip for HR: To avoid confusion and overlap, coordinate closely with your HR department. Ensure the validity windows are clean:
- Permit 1: Covers the date of departure to Abu Dhabi.
- Permit 2: Starts on the date of departure to India.
Important Note: Your company’s HR/PRO can expedite the issuance of the second Exit Permit directly through the Ashal website, which may be faster than submitting a new application yourself via the Sahel app.
