Expat Address‑Change Service to Return Soon on Sahel App
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) will reinstate the long-awaited “address‑change” feature for expatriates on the Sahel app, easing the digital filing process disrupted during recent data cleanups—though not all users will find it accessible right away.
NEWS & UPDATES
Waqar Javeed
7/4/20251 min read
1. Why this matters now
Since May 2025, PACI enabled expats to update their residential addresses through the Sahel unified government app, streamlining what had become a time-consuming and confusing process involving in-person appointments or brokers (arabtimesonline.com).
2. What it replaces
Previously, expats struggled to book scarce appointments via Sahel or Meta platforms amidst high demand. Many resorted to unlicensed intermediaries, paying up to 130 KD to file change requests manually (kuwaittimes.com).
3. How the Sahel app works now
The process requires users to:
Log into Sahel
Navigate to Services → PACI → Personal Services → “Address Change for Non‑Kuwaiti”
Submit documents like lease, ownership proof, employer authorization, and signed declarations (arabtimesonline.com, kuwaittimes.com).
Users have reported approvals within three days after complete submissions (reddit.com).
4. Remaining challenges
Those whose addresses were purged from PACI’s database during enforcement of regulation (removing 478 entries) cannot even access the app, leaving them unable to update digitally. These users must revert to old methods—booking scarce appointments and possibly incurring fines if they delay beyond the 30‑day window (arabtimesonline.com).
5. Voices from expat communities
A Palestinian expat shared:
“Every time we try to sign up for an appointment… site crashes at midnight, and by the time it’s back all the slots are gone” (kuwaittimes.com).
One frustrated resident simply posted “Finally!” in response to the Sahel update (kuwaittimes.com).
6. What lies ahead
PACI plans a broader Sahel rollout soon—but hasn’t confirmed a date. The authority urges expats to update addresses within 30 days to avoid the KD 100 fine per person outlined under Article 33, Law No. 2/1982 (arabtimesonline.com).
🔍 Summary Tables
Feature Current Status Digital update via Sahel ✔️ Available for many expats Appointment-based route ❌ Required for those without access Fine for delay KD 100 per person after 30 days Processing time ~3 days after submission
Looking Ahead
PACI is expected to fully restore the digital service across all expats via Sahel.
Removed-address expats should monitor notifications and act swiftly.
Until then, appointment-based service remains the fallback.