Kuwait launches online visa service for domestic workers, drivers; revises sponsorship rules

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has launched a new digital service that allows citizens and expatriates to issue and manage domestic worker and driver-related services online through the unified government application "Sahel." The initiative was introduced in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower and the ministry's information technology sector.

According to the ministry, the service forms part of Kuwait's broader efforts to digitise government transactions, simplify recruitment procedures and streamline residency-related services, as per a report by Gulf News. Users can now complete applications electronically without visiting service centres, a move aimed at reducing processing times and improving efficiency.

Revised sponsorship eligibility rules

Alongside the launch of the new service, the ministry announced updated eligibility rules for sponsoring domestic workers and drivers.

Under the revised framework, single women can sponsor one domestic worker. Married, divorced or widowed women with children are permitted to sponsor one domestic worker and one driver.

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Married, divorced or widowed men with families can sponsor up to three domestic workers and one driver. Single men are eligible to sponsor one driver only.

The ministry said the updated system is designed to improve regulation of domestic labour categories, ensure services are used appropriately and strengthen governance through digital platforms.

Officials said the new measures support Kuwait's ongoing digital transformation programme by making government services more accessible and reducing the need for in-person visits, Gulf News reported.

The launch follows a series of recent reforms aimed at modernising residency and labour-related services in Kuwait, including changes to residency regulations, family-related laws and digital services for expatriate workers.

The Ministry of Interior said the new platform would help facilitate government procedures while improving oversight of domestic worker and driver sponsorship services across the country.