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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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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

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Oil Ministry highlights nuclear radiation risks, underscores preventive measures

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil affirmed that nuclear radiation remains one of the most serious health and environmental challenges of the modern era, emphasizing Kuwait’s strong commitment to addressing this issue through an integrated regulatory framework, well-structured emergency plans, and advanced scientific monitoring networks covering various regions of the country. These efforts aim to ensure the highest standards of environmental and public health safety.

This statement was made by Sheikha Tamader Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a health awareness seminar held Monday under the title “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The seminar is part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to raise community awareness and promote a culture of prevention among oil sector employees.

Sheikha Tamader lauded the efforts of governmental and technical agencies in enhancing public understanding of nuclear radiation dangers and preventive measures. She highlighted the role of such scientific forums in fostering a sustainable preventive culture across both public and private sectors. She added that the Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively conducting educational programs and specialized workshops to raise awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radiation leakage, while developing national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

She stressed that prevention begins with awareness, and investing in education, training, and readiness is key to protecting people and the environment. She called for continued support of scientific and awareness initiatives and the strengthening of institutional cooperation among state ministries and regulatory bodies to guarantee community safety and environmental sustainability. In a related address, Salem Al-Azmi, Head of Radiology at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and the preventive measures adopted locally and internationally.

Al-Azmi explained that nuclear reactors are among the world’s most important sources of energy due to their ability to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently, but they carry serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict controls. He described nuclear reactors as power plants that produce electricity through nuclear fission — a process where an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy that heats a coolant, usually water, to create steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electric generators.

He noted that while nuclear power plants operate similarly to conventional power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, the primary heat source in nuclear plants is atomic fission. He pointed out that nuclear energy has comparatively low environmental impact on Earth and natural resources.

Al-Azmi outlined the potential environmental hazards in the event of a radioactive leak, such as contamination of air, water, and soil with substances like cesium-137 and iodine-131. However, he reassured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation and mitigation plans are in place. He highlighted that potential effects on wildlife and agriculture, including temporary declines in crop and animal quality, can be managed and mitigated through safety protocols and environmental restoration.

Regarding preventive actions, Al-Azmi advised sheltering indoors in well-sealed spaces, which can reduce radiation exposure by half, using closed basements or airtight shelters, and wearing protective masks for the nose and mouth. He also presented information on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, noting that it is solely dedicated to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The reactor operates under full international supervision, is non-military, does not produce nuclear weapons, and is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. — KUNA

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