Kuwait Adds Visa Verification for Domestic Workers on Sahel App

The Ministry of Interior, Kuwait, recently introduced a new feature on the Sahel app that allows users to check the status of Domestic Worker Visas (Visa 20) before starting the recruitment process. The move is designed to cut delays, prevent duplicate applications, and improve transparency in a sector that often faces administrative challenges.

How the New Sahel Feature Works

The tool lets sponsors verify if a visa has already been issued for a domestic worker before submitting a new application. This helps reduce common errors such as duplicate entries, which can otherwise lead to rejection or delays.

The feature applies to Visa 20, the permit category for hiring household staff such as maids, drivers, and nannies under the sponsorship of a Kuwaiti citizen or resident.

How to Check Visa Status on the Sahel App

To use the verification service:

• Open the Sahel app and log in with your civil ID.
• Select the Ministry of Interior services.
• Choose the “Visa Inquiry” option for the Domestic Worker Visa (Visa 20).
• Enter the worker’s details to check if a visa is already active.

This quick step ensures employers do not waste time or run into legal issues by filing for workers who already hold valid entries.

What Is a Domestic Worker Visa (Visa 20)

Visa 20 is the standard visa for foreign workers employed as household staff in Kuwait. To apply, sponsors must typically provide:

• Salary certificate to show financial capability
• Rental agreement for the household residence
• Supporting documents for the worker’s background or qualifications

With the Sahel update, sponsors can now avoid unnecessary paperwork and delays during this process.

Sahel App As a Digital Hub

Launched in 2021, the Sahel app is Kuwait’s main digital platform for government services. It offers access to ministries including Interior, Health, Justice, and the Civil Service Commission.

Services available through the app include:

• Driving license renewal
• Fine payments
• Appointment bookings
• Official document requests
• Government alerts and notifications

The app is available in both Arabic and English, making it easier for expatriates to use. It also includes strict security measures to protect personal data.

Why It Matters

The addition of visa verification through Sahel is part of Kuwait’s wider effort to digitise services and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. For sponsors and workers alike, it provides a faster, more transparent process at a time when immigration and labour procedures remain under scrutiny.