Kuwait is rapidly accelerating its digital transformation, making government services more accessible and efficient for citizens and residents. Recent initiatives by the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Justice, all launched through the unified government e-services platform Sahel, demonstrate a strong commitment to streamlining procedures and enhancing transparency. These advancements aim to reduce administrative burdens and improve the overall experience of interacting with government entities.
Streamlining Citizenship & Healthcare with Sahel
The Ministry of Interior has recently expanded the functionality of Sahel to include the ‘Status Adjustment’ service for individuals whose citizenship was previously revoked under Article (5) and their dependents. This allows applicants to submit required documentation electronically, a significant improvement over traditional methods.
Accessing the Status Adjustment Service
Applicants can find the service under “Ministry of Interior Services” within Sahel, then selecting “Article (5) Affairs Services – Status Adjustment.” Those with a passport from their country of origin can directly upload it, while those without can submit supporting documents through the “Proof of Seriousness” option. The Ministry has provided dedicated phone lines (97283232, 97284747, 97293232, 97283535) for inquiries and follow-up, operating Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Alongside this, the Ministry of Health has launched a new service on Sahel providing instant access to decisions regarding overseas treatment. This eliminates the need for patients to physically visit the Overseas Treatment Department, saving valuable time and effort. Dr. Hisham Kalender, Assistant Undersecretary for External Health Services, emphasized the service’s contribution to data confidentiality and the Ministry’s commitment to a value-based care model. This initiative directly addresses the need for improved healthcare access and transparency.
Expanding Digital Services Through the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is also actively contributing to Kuwait’s digital evolution. Two new electronic services – Family Insurance Fund Certificates and Court of Cassation Ruling Copy – are now available through Sahel.
New E-Services for Legal Processes
These services allow individuals to request certificates verifying the absence of a file at the Family Insurance Fund and obtain certified electronic copies of Court of Cassation rulings directly through the application. This reduces the need for in-person visits to Ministry and court locations, accelerating legal procedures. The Ministry’s focus is on removing obstacles and simplifying legal transactions for both citizens and residents.
Strengthening Public Fund Protection Through Training
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice, under Minister Nasser Al-Sumait, has launched the second phase of a legal personnel training program. This program, in cooperation with the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies, aims to enhance the capabilities of government legal staff in detecting and investigating embezzlement of public funds.
Enhancing Skills and Cooperation
The training program includes specialized lectures and workshops delivered by members of the judiciary and experts, focusing on oversight and financial control systems. This initiative seeks to unify procedures across government institutions and apply best practices in public fund protection. Official figures indicate 107 cases involving public fund violations were recorded between the start of 2025 and the end of June last year, highlighting the importance of this training. This program is a crucial step in bolstering government transparency and accountability.
The widespread adoption of Sahel as a central platform for these services underscores Kuwait’s commitment to digital governance. By prioritizing accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, these initiatives are poised to significantly improve the lives of citizens and residents. The ongoing expansion of e-services through Sahel is not merely a technological upgrade, but a fundamental shift towards a more citizen-centric and responsive government.
These recent developments demonstrate a clear vision for a digitally empowered Kuwait. To learn more about the services available on Sahel, and to access these new features, visit the official Sahel platform and explore the various options available. Continued engagement with these digital tools will be key to realizing the full benefits of Kuwait’s digital transformation.
