Connect with us

Latest News

Sahel offers relief to expats struggling to update address

Published

on

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.

Latest News

Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

Published

on

By

Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

Continue Reading

Latest News

Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

Published

on

By

 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

No Image

He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

Continue Reading

Latest News

Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .