Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior provides an electronic service for issuing temporary residence permits to specific categories of expatriate residents through the unified government application Sahel, as part of its efforts to simplify residency procedures and reduce unnecessary visits to government offices.

According to the ministry’s original announcement dated September 10, 2024, the service covers residence categories under Articles 20 and 22 and is available within the Ministry of Interior’s residence services section in the Sahel application.

Article 20 relates to domestic workers and equivalent categories, while Article 22 concerns family-dependent residence permits. These are the two categories identified in the ministry’s announcement for the electronic temporary residence service.

The ministry explained that the service enables sponsors to receive an electronic notification containing the temporary residence sticker, eliminating the need to visit the Residency Affairs Sector solely to print the sticker.

Eligible users can access the service through the Sahel government application by navigating to Ministry of Interior services, selecting the residence services section and locating the temporary residence issuance option applicable to their case.

After completing the relevant procedure and satisfying the applicable requirements, the sponsor receives a notification containing the electronic sticker through the official digital channel.

The availability of an electronic procedure does not remove the legal requirements governing residence permits or automatically exempt applicants from prescribed fees. Eligibility and approval remain subject to the relevant immigration regulations.

Residents and sponsors should also distinguish this service from temporary residence under Article 14, which is governed by separate procedures, and from standard residence issuance or renewal services for Articles 20 and 22.

Kuwait’s official government portal confirms that several residence transactions involving domestic workers and family dependants can be submitted through Sahel, although in-person procedures may remain available or necessary depending on the transaction.

The ministry introduced the electronic service through cooperation between the General Department of Residency Affairs and the General Department of Information Systems, supporting its wider efforts to improve government service delivery.

Sponsors are encouraged to verify the resident’s details and applicable residence category before submitting an application, and to review any official notifications or additional requirements associated with their particular case.

Residents should rely on the Sahel application and official Ministry of Interior channels for current service availability and instructions rather than unverified links or outdated information circulated online.

Source: Kuwait Ministry of Interior