Working in Kuwait

Government service

Sahel: Kuwait's unified government app for residents

Kuwait's unified government app for residents

What is Sahel?

Sahel is Kuwait's unified government e-services app, published by PACI and launched in 2021. It brings services from many agencies into one place, including the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Manpower. For expatriate workers it is now essential: it is where you request your exit permit, view your documents and handle many residence services.

Who uses it

Citizens and residents of Kuwait with a Civil ID, including private-sector expatriate workers. Employers use the separate Sahel Business app.

What you can do with Sahel

  • Request an employer-approved exit permit before travelling (required for private-sector expats since 1 July 2025).
  • See your official documents, their status and expiry dates, and get reminders.
  • Ministry of Interior services: residence issuance and renewal, residence fines, traffic fines, medical test results and criminal record certificates.
  • Update your Civil ID address online.
  • Report suspected labour law violations to PAM through the "Report to Us" service (launched July 2026).
  • Book government appointments through the Meta platform.

Step by step

  1. Log in

    Open Sahel, choose your language and enter your civil number. Approve the login request in the Kuwait Mobile ID app on your phone.

  2. Find the exit permit service

    Tap Services, open the Public Authority for Manpower section, choose Expatriate Labour Service, then Issuing Exit Permit.

  3. Fill in your travel dates

    Enter your departure and expected return dates and check that your details match your Civil ID, then submit.

  4. Wait for employer approval

    The request goes to your employer, who approves it in Sahel Business or the Ashal portal. You can track the status in the app.

  5. Travel with your digital permit

    Once approved, the permit is issued instantly in digital form. If your employer does not respond or refuses without a valid reason, file a complaint with PAM.

Official Sahel website

Sources:apps.apple.comkuwaittimes.comkuwaittimes.comgulfnews.comvialtopartners.comgulfnews.comgulfnews.comgulfnews.combeta.kuwaittimes.comblog.wego.com

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Kuwait exit permit on the Sahel app?

In Sahel go to Services, then Public Authority for Manpower, Expatriate Labour Service, Issuing Exit Permit. Enter your travel dates and submit. The permit is issued as soon as your employer approves it.

How do I log in to Sahel?

Enter your civil number in Sahel, then approve the authentication request in the Kuwait Mobile ID app. You need Kuwait Mobile ID set up on your phone first.

Is the Sahel app available in English?

Yes. English was added to the app in 2024, and the exit permit service is available in English.

Can I report my employer on Sahel?

Yes. PAM's "Report to Us" service in Sahel lets workers report suspected labour law violations from their phones.

Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2026. General information based on the official sources cited - not legal advice. Check with the relevant authority before acting.

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