Kuwait now lets families apply for a domestic worker visa and a driver visa online through the government Sahel app, alongside an updated framework for who can sponsor a domestic worker or a driver. The service was introduced by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). Here is how the new Kuwait domestic worker visa on Sahel works, who can apply, and the steps to follow in 2026.
What is new: domestic worker and driver visas on Sahel
Families and residents in Kuwait can now manage domestic worker and driver applications online through the unified Sahel app, instead of visiting service centres in person. The driver visa service rolled out first in mid-May 2026, and the domestic worker categories were added in early June 2026. The stated goal is to digitise government services, simplify residency and labour transactions, and cut processing times.
New sponsorship eligibility rules
Alongside the digital rollout, Kuwait announced updated rules for who may sponsor domestic workers and drivers:
| Sponsor status | Can sponsor |
|---|---|
| Single women | 1 domestic worker |
| Married, divorced or widowed women with children | 1 domestic worker + 1 driver |
| Married, divorced or widowed men with families | Up to 3 domestic workers + 1 driver |
| Single men | 1 driver only |
What it means for families in Kuwait
If you are planning to hire a domestic worker or a driver in Kuwait, two things change for you. First, the application can now be handled online through Sahel, which should be faster and require fewer in-person visits. Second, the number of workers you can sponsor now depends on your marital and family status, so it is worth checking which category applies to you before you begin.
How to apply for a domestic worker visa on Sahel (step by step)
- Install the Sahel app and sign in with your civil ID credentials.
- Open the domestic labour or driver visa service from the residency and labour section.
- Confirm your eligibility category based on your marital and family status (see the table above).
- Complete the application and submit the required documents through the app.
- Use a licensed recruitment office for the recruitment itself, and keep every payment and contract documented.
Because the service runs inside Sahel, most steps are handled on your phone with no in-person visit for the application stage.
Transferring or renewing a domestic worker on Sahel
The same Sahel platform is used by the Public Authority for Manpower for many residency and labour transactions, so domestic worker transfer and renewal requests are increasingly handled digitally too. If you are transferring a domestic worker to a new sponsor or renewing a residency, check the domestic labour section in Sahel for the current options, and confirm any fees and approvals through PAM before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a domestic worker visa in Kuwait online?
Yes. Since June 2026, eligible sponsors can apply for a domestic worker visa in Kuwait online through the Sahel app, without visiting a service centre for the application stage.
Which app is used for domestic worker visas in Kuwait?
The government Sahel app is the official platform for the new domestic worker and driver visa service in Kuwait.
Who can sponsor a domestic worker in Kuwait?
Eligibility depends on marital and family status. Single women can sponsor one domestic worker; married, divorced or widowed men with families can sponsor up to three domestic workers and a driver; and single men can sponsor a driver only. See the full table above.
Can I transfer a domestic worker using Sahel?
Many domestic labour transactions are moving to Sahel. Check the domestic labour section in the app for transfer and renewal options, and confirm the current rules and fees with the Public Authority for Manpower.
Do I still need a recruitment office?
Yes. The visa application is digital, but the recruitment itself should go through a licensed office so your contract, fees and worker rights are properly documented.
Useful links
- Best domestic worker agencies in Kuwait 2026
- 2026 GCC domestic worker salary report
- Kuwait recruitment guide
Sources: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), as reported by Gulf News, Arab Times and Aaj English TV (8 June 2026). This article is general guidance, not legal advice; confirm current rules through the Sahel app and the Public Authority for Manpower.
