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Sahel offers relief to expats struggling to update address

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KUWAIT: A wave of relief has swept across Kuwait’s expatriate community following the launch on Sunday of a new service on the Sahel app that allows non-Kuwaiti residents to update their civil ID address online. The long-awaited feature replaces a chaotic, time-consuming process with a simplified digital solution, ending months of frustration over the lack of appointments, unclear requirements and a growing reliance on unofficial intermediaries.

In recent months, residents have voiced growing concerns about the increasingly difficult process of changing addresses. With no available appointments, a confusing list of required documents and the threat of fines or suspended services, many turned to unlicensed brokers — sometimes paying up to KD 130 — just to update their details. But since the government announced the addition of the address service to Sahel, the tone online has shifted dramatically.

“Booking an appointment was a major issue. People began selling appointments, and some transactions were halted due to address problems,” wrote Salim Albadawi on Instagram, reacting to the announcement posted on PACI’s official account. Others shared their reactions in the comments section of Kuwait Times’ Instagram post, with user Hassan Mir simply exclaiming, “Finally!” while another, identified as Safy, described it as “an excellent step forward” on another local news post.

Christian Varon, a 33-year-old Colombian who works at a coffee shop in Kuwait, is among those optimistic. “The new service seems really helpful. Just with some clicks, you can complete the process,” he told Kuwait Times.

With his civil ID set to expire in three months, Varon feels the pressure to act, hoping the new system will finally cut through the bureaucracy. “It’s supposed to be easier now. Before, you had to wait forever for appointments, and even when you got one, you often ended up going back to the government office two or three times. They keep sending you from one employee to another,” he added.

While many residents welcomed the digital shift, some expressed confusion over how to use the new service. “What are the steps?” one commenter asked — a sentiment echoed widely across social media. According to the app’s guidelines, expatriates will need to submit several documents, including a sublease contract, proof of ownership, employer authorization and a signed declaration form to complete the request.

One Indian resident who has been struggling to resolve his address change issue for five months immediately tried using the app after the launch. He shared with Kuwait Times that the transaction was promptly approved after submitting all required documents, receiving a confirmation message that read, “Your request has been successfully received. It will be processed within the next three days.”

However, not all residents are able to access the new feature. For those whose addresses were previously removed from PACI’s records, the Sahel app reportedly does not open, preventing them from using the very tool intended to assist them. “Without an address, the Sahel app won’t open. How do we update the address using the app?” one resident asked. Another, Mahmoud Znaty, commented, “If someone’s address was removed and Sahel isn’t working for them, how can they use the service?”

These questions highlight a lingering gap in the system: Although the Sahel update is a significant step forward, it remains inaccessible to a segment of the population affected by PACI’s recent address cleanup. For those still unable to access the app, the only option may be to go through the old process — booking an online appointment and waiting indefinitely for an open slot.

The root of the issue dates back to last year, when the Public Authority for Civil Information intensified efforts to eliminate fake or overcrowded housing registrations. The campaign included a new regulation requiring residents to register a valid address within 30 days of moving — or face heavy fines and potential legal action.

The sudden changes and lack of official guidance led many to rely on social media videos not produced by experts or to pay third-party services and unlicensed typists for assistance. “Every time we try to sign up for an appointment, it is fully booked,” a Palestinian resident told Kuwait Times earlier this year. “This should be easy. You book an appointment, gather the paperwork and visit the department simple.”

Now, the new Sahel feature appears to be a direct response to that pressure. Yet while many are optimistic, the rollout has not resolved all issues. “I hope the process for making changes is simple,” Ibrahim Tawakol wrote — capturing the cautious optimism shared by many.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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