Kuwait has launched a new online service for domestic worker and driver visas 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).
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 through Sahel
- Install the official Sahel app and sign in with your civil ID credentials.
- Open the domestic labour or driver visa service and follow the steps.
- Confirm you meet the eligibility category that matches your status.
- Use a licensed recruitment office for the recruitment itself, and keep every payment 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.
