
Sahel Business app rolls out new update for enhanced user experience
Kazem stated that the update features an upgraded digital infrastructure, a user-friendly interface, and instant notification capabilities, enhancing the overall efficiency of the application.
Since its launch, Sahel Business has completed 498,927 services for 95,518 users. The application offers access to 214 electronic services related to business and commercial activities, provided by 18 government agencies in Kuwait.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
Employer Delaying Your Exit Permit? File A Complaint Now
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Under Circular No. 2/2025 issued recently by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain exit permits from their registered employers before leaving the country (effective from the beginning of this month), more than 100,000 exit permits have been issued to private sector expatriate workers since the implementation of the decision. Sources said the exit permits are processed through the automated systems of PAM, Ashal platform, and Sahel app, indicating the total number of issued permits is expected to double in the coming days as the travel season gains momentum. Sources disclosed that in order to streamline the process and ensure faster completion of travel procedures, the authority completed an automated link with the Ports Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, thereby ensuring the immediate sharing of exit permit data. Sources added PAM recommends that workers print a hard copy of the permit before traveling, in case it is requested by the airlines. Sources also affirmed that only a small number of complaints regarding permit issuance have been received so far -- mostly concerning employer delays or refusal, which were promptly addressed and resolved. Sources clarified that in cases where an employer is unreasonably withholding or delaying approval, the affected worker is advised to visit the Labor Relations Unit corresponding to their company's file to lodge a formal complaint, under legal procedures. They reiterated that approval from the employer remains a requirement for the permit to be issued. Sources also quoted PAM as saying there is no limit to the number of exit permits that can be issued annually per worker, as long as the employer approves, adding that the system remains open and unrestricted in this regard. Sources explained that the time needed to obtain a permit ( especially in emergencies) depends primarily on the speed of employer approval. 'Therefore, workers are advised to submit their requests well in advance of their travel dates and to coordinate directly with their employers in urgent situations to expedite the process,' sources elaborated. Sources pointed out that workers can either print the approved permit or present it through the Sahel Individuals app to port authorities. They said the Sahel Individuals app enables workers to submit electronic exit permit requests, while the Sahel Business app allows employers to review and approve these requests quickly and conveniently.


Arab Times
16-07-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Sees Licensing Growth in Traditional and Freelance Business Sectors
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued 9,881 new company licenses through its Single Window Administration in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 9.4% year-on-year increase from 9,029 licenses during the same period in 2024. The growth of 852 new licenses reflects the Ministry's continued efforts to streamline business registration and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. A total of 5,940 companies were established during the quarter. This surge is attributed to a series of administrative reforms implemented by the Ministry aimed at simplifying licensing procedures, minimizing regulatory steps, and eliminating redundancies in the process of setting up and managing businesses. According to official data, commercial licensing activity saw a significant boost across multiple categories. Company licenses rose 21.3% to 8,390 from 6,919 in Q1 2024, while applications under processing increased to 514. In the segment of personal company formation, the Ministry received 14,000 applications. Of these, 8,287 were rejected, 705 were approved, 641 were canceled, and 4,526 companies were successfully established. An additional 705 are in the process of being established. Conversely, licensing activity for special-purpose companies recorded a sharp decline. Only 38 licenses were issued in the first quarter of 2025—a 97% drop compared to 1,660 licenses issued in the same quarter last year. Despite the decline, the Ministry processed 56 applications, resulting in the establishment of nine companies, with six licenses currently in issuance. Freelance Sector Sees Major Expansion The freelance and micro-enterprise segment experienced robust growth, fueled by regulatory changes introduced in August 2024. The Ministry reported a 227.25% surge in new licenses for micro and freelance enterprises, rising to 1,453 from 1,000 in Q1 2024. Currently, 42 licenses are in the process of being issued. Of the 1,649 freelance business license applications submitted, 1,449 were rejected, 705 were approved, and 1,405 companies were established. A further 114 are in the process of formation. This growth reflects the Ministry's move to support independent professionals and small-scale entrepreneurs through simplified licensing for 175 defined activities that do not require commercial premises. Licenses in this category, valid for four years, can be obtained via the Single Window Administration, the "Sahel" or "Sahel Business" mobile platforms, or other approved channels. The Ministry also mandated that all freelance license holders clearly display their license number on their business accounts across electronic and social platforms, and conduct all transactions exclusively through electronic payment methods.


Arab Times
12-07-2025
- Arab Times
Want To Travel On Thursday But Leave Starts On Saturday? Here's What You Need To Know About Exit Permits
Kuwait has implemented exit permits for all expats working in the private sector (Article 18) from July 1st 2025. Under current regulations, you must apply for your exit permit between 7 days and no less than 24 hours before your planned departure via the Sahel app If your permissible leave officially begins on Saturday, but you plan to depart Thursday night, you'll likely face denial at the immigration counter, because: The permit records departure date doesn't match. Departing before your approved leave start is considered a violation.( Hence you will not be able to depart) You must align your application with the actual travel dates, so for a Thursday departure, set your travel period to start Thursday If the company HR has officially set the leave to start on Saturday, but the employee wants to travel Thursday night, this creates a conflict with the Sahel app's exit permit system. Here's what the employee should consider doing: Request HR to Adjust Leave Dates Communicate clearly with HR about the travel needs and the legal requirement for the leave date and the departure date. This ensures that the Sahel app permit aligns with the departure date, avoiding denial at Airport Employers and companies are required to comply with the employee leave regulations set by the Public Authority for Manpower. Friday off day is generally not deducted from your annual leave entitlement.