Latest news with #Sahl
Arab Times
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Now You Can Book Your Driving Test Online with Sahel
KUWAIT CITY, May 19: As part of its ongoing initiative to modernize public services and streamline procedures for both citizens and expats, the General Traffic Department, through the Traffic Affairs and Operations Sector, has announced the official launch of an online driving test appointment booking service. This new service will be available through the "Sahel" mobile application, beginning June 1, 2025. Designated Driving Test Days The new system outlines specific days for conducting driving tests based on the type of license: General Driving Licenses: Tests will be conducted every Sunday and Wednesday. Motorcycle Licenses: Tests will take place every Monday and Thursday How to Book a Driving Test Appointment via the "Sahl" App To schedule a driving test, applicants must follow these simple steps within the "Sahel" application: Open the app and log in to the Ministry of Interior's services.n Navigate to the Traffic Services section.n Select the option labeled Driving Test Appointments.n Choose your preferred date and license category, then confirm the appointment.n Enhancing Access Through Digital Transformation This new digital service is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving the overall efficiency of traffic-related services by leveraging modern technology. The online booking feature is designed to save time, reduce administrative burdens, and provide users with a convenient and user-friendly experience. By adopting this initiative, the General Traffic Department reaffirms its commitment to embracing digital transformation and ensuring that essential government services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public.
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Deletes 12,500 Fake Addresses in Post-Mangaf Fire Reforms
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: Nearly a year after the devastating Mangaf fire that claimed at least 50 lives, Kuwait has moved decisively to tighten civil registration procedures and clamp down on false residential address reporting. The government's response includes rigorous enforcement by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), mandating that the address on an individual's civil ID must now match their actual place of residence. To update their address, expats are required to submit proof of residency— a measure that has resulted in the cancellation of over 12,500 fake or fictitious addresses, particularly in high-density areas such as Hawalli, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, and Mahboula. The Municipality has also stepped up monitoring of bachelor accommodations in residential zones, further contributing to the rise in address change requests. PACI has launched a new service through the 'Sahl' app to facilitate address updates for both Kuwaitis and expatriates. Real Estate Impact and Rental Surge The crackdown has had notable repercussions on the real estate sector. Individuals whose addresses are deleted are given a 30-day grace period to register a valid address or face fines of up to KD 100. This has led to a reshuffling of population distribution and contributed to rising rental prices across governorates. By the end of 2024, average apartment rental values in investment areas rose by 3.1% year-on-year. The increases include: Hawalli: KD 364 (+2.5%) Farwaniya: KD 341 (+3.4%) Ahmadi: KD 304 (+3.4%) Mubarak Al-Kabeer: KD 360 (+2.9%) Jahra: KD 335 (+3.9%) Regulatory and Political Dimensions Businessman Qais Al-Ghanim emphasized that the move is a regulatory correction, aimed at reinforcing laws long ignored. He noted that accurate civil ID address registration is vital for electoral integrity, legal processes, and national security. Al-Ghanim acknowledged that some citizens previously registered under false addresses for tribal or electoral gains, a practice now under strict scrutiny. He further explained that the crackdown aligns with recent actions related to the withdrawal of Kuwaiti citizenship. Individuals stripped of their citizenship (particularly those occupying state-owned housing) must relinquish these properties, as Kuwaiti law prohibits real estate ownership by non-citizens. Toward More Accurate Data Real estate expert Abdulaziz Al-Dughaishim welcomed the stricter enforcement, highlighting the resulting improvements in data accuracy and regulatory efficiency. 'With clearer geographic distribution, the state can make better-informed decisions,' he said, adding that the shift also enhances legal traceability and reduces manipulation in cooperative society and parliamentary elections. Al-Dughaishim also noted a shift in corporate housing practices. Employers who previously registered large numbers of workers at a single property are now distributing tenants across multiple buildings to stay within legal bounds. A Black Market Emerges Despite the progress, some property owners have sought to exploit the system. Observers report a growing black market where landlords charge KD 100–150 to register workers (particularly Asians) under fake residential addresses to fulfill civil ID requirements. Authorities are now working to curb this underground practice, which undermines the ongoing reform efforts. As Kuwait continues to tighten enforcement and streamline its civil registry, officials stress that accurate address data is not only a regulatory concern but a national imperative—rooted in lessons from a tragedy that the nation is determined never to repeat.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Kuwait's new traffic law introduces community service as alternative penalty
KUWAIT CITY - Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Subhan, Chairman of the Unified Traffic Week Committee for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has confirmed that the newly approved Traffic Law No. 5/2025 introduces alternative penalties as a key amendment. These penalties can replace the original sanctions at the discretion of the judiciary. For instance, a judge may convert the original penalty into community service, tailored to the violator's profession and qualifications. This service, which can last up to one year, requires eight hours of work per day without compensation. Additionally, if a serious violation results in damage to public funds, the violator may be required to repair the damage at their own expense. Judges also have the authority to combine multiple service penalties, which take effect immediately upon the issuance of the ruling. Spatial Impoundment Al-Subhan explained that vehicle impoundment remains applicable in 27 cases, as before. A new regulatory decision will introduce the concept of "physical impoundment," where a tracking device is installed in the vehicle, and fees are imposed based on the violation committed. If the spatial impoundment conditions are violated, a fine of 50 dinars will be levied, and the vehicle will be moved to a traffic impoundment garage. Additional fines will apply if the tracking device is damaged or lost. Al-Subhan emphasized that violating physical impoundment is a serious offense, and the violator must designate a fixed location for the vehicle, ensuring it does not move from that spot. Al-Subhan also revealed that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, will issue a regulatory decision limiting the number of vehicles citizens and residents can own before the new traffic law takes effect on April 22. Responding to concerns about potential discrimination, Al-Subhan clarified that such measures are not discriminatory but fall within the state's sovereign authority to regulate in the public interest, similar to administrative deportation policies. Accuracy of AI Cameras The accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) cameras in detecting violations is 99%, with human oversight to ensure precision. Violations such as failing to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, exceeding speed limits, or placing children in the front seat are documented by AI and reviewed by humans. Notifications for such violations are sent to the perpetrator within 48 to 72 hours. Al-Subhan confirmed that any citizen or resident can file a complaint about a violation, either directly or indirectly, through the Ministry of Interior's 'Sahl' application or by visiting the Violations Investigation Department. Complaints are thoroughly reviewed, and violations may be canceled if the claimant's rights are proven. Ministry patrols are equipped with cameras to verify claims of wrongful violations, ensuring the rights of both security personnel and violators are protected. Fines Under the New Law Addressing concerns about the severity of fines under the new law, Al-Subhan stated that Kuwait's fines are not the highest among neighboring countries. Some GCC countries impose stricter penalties. The General Traffic Department conducted extensive studies and public opinion polls before finalizing the law, which was reviewed by the judiciary, the Fatwa and Legislation Authority, and the Public Prosecution. The resulting fines aim to deter reckless driving and serious violations, such as running red lights, which endanger lives. The 2025 Unified Traffic Week for GCC countries will carry the slogan 'Driving without Accidents,' continuing the theme from 2024. Al-Subhan highlighted that most accidents result from driver inattention, often due to mobile phone use. Since 1984, Traffic Weeks across GCC countries have successfully improved driver behavior and road safety. Congestion and Traffic Behavior Regarding traffic congestion, Al-Subhan acknowledged ongoing road expansions and bridge constructions to alleviate the issue. However, he stressed that personal traffic behavior, such as crossing road lines or blocking others, remains a significant problem. Kuwait has a long history of traffic regulation, dating back to 1930, with laws evolving over the decades to address changing needs. Under the new law, settlement orders for violations now range from 15 to 150 dinars, up from the previous range of 5 to 50 dinars. Habitual violators, especially those committing serious offenses, will be referred to court without the option of settlement. Violations and Accountability Al-Subhan clarified that vehicle owners are held responsible for violations, even if someone else was driving at the time. If a vehicle owner disputes a fine, they must identify the driver during the violation. He shared an example of a woman fined 30,000 dinars for violations committed by her son's friends, who were driving her vehicle without her knowledge. Seat Belt Law Enforcement Al-Subhan reiterated that drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts, with vehicle owners held accountable for compliance. With the new law's implementation, patrols and control rooms have observed increased adherence to seat belt regulations. He noted that it is now rare to see drivers or passengers without seat belts. In conclusion, Al-Subhan emphasized the importance of the new law and its stricter fines, given the lax attitude some had toward the previous penalties. In 2024 alone, Kuwait recorded 66,000 accidents, averaging 200 to 300 daily, with 28 to 30 injuries and 284 fatalities, including 11 children. The new law aims to curb these alarming statistics and enhance road safety. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
Arab Times
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait's New Traffic Law Introduces Community Service as Alternative Penalty
KUWAIT CITY, Mar 12: Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Subhan, Chairman of the Unified Traffic Week Committee for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has confirmed that the newly approved Traffic Law No. 5/2025 introduces alternative penalties as a key amendment. These penalties can replace the original sanctions at the discretion of the judiciary. For instance, a judge may convert the original penalty into community service, tailored to the violator's profession and qualifications. This service, which can last up to one year, requires eight hours of work per day without compensation. Additionally, if a serious violation results in damage to public funds, the violator may be required to repair the damage at their own expense. Judges also have the authority to combine multiple service penalties, which take effect immediately upon the issuance of the ruling. Spatial Impoundment Al-Subhan explained that vehicle impoundment remains applicable in 27 cases, as before. A new regulatory decision will introduce the concept of "physical impoundment," where a tracking device is installed in the vehicle, and fees are imposed based on the violation committed. If the spatial impoundment conditions are violated, a fine of 50 dinars will be levied, and the vehicle will be moved to a traffic impoundment garage. Additional fines will apply if the tracking device is damaged or lost. Al-Subhan emphasized that violating physical impoundment is a serious offense, and the violator must designate a fixed location for the vehicle, ensuring it does not move from that spot. Al-Subhan also revealed that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, will issue a regulatory decision limiting the number of vehicles citizens and residents can own before the new traffic law takes effect on April 22. Responding to concerns about potential discrimination, Al-Subhan clarified that such measures are not discriminatory but fall within the state's sovereign authority to regulate in the public interest, similar to administrative deportation policies. Accuracy of AI Cameras The accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) cameras in detecting violations is 99%, with human oversight to ensure precision. Violations such as failing to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, exceeding speed limits, or placing children in the front seat are documented by AI and reviewed by humans. Notifications for such violations are sent to the perpetrator within 48 to 72 hours. Al-Subhan confirmed that any citizen or resident can file a complaint about a violation, either directly or indirectly, through the Ministry of Interior's 'Sahl' application or by visiting the Violations Investigation Department. Complaints are thoroughly reviewed, and violations may be canceled if the claimant's rights are proven. Ministry patrols are equipped with cameras to verify claims of wrongful violations, ensuring the rights of both security personnel and violators are protected. Fines Under the New Law Addressing concerns about the severity of fines under the new law, Al-Subhan stated that Kuwait's fines are not the highest among neighboring countries. Some GCC countries impose stricter penalties. The General Traffic Department conducted extensive studies and public opinion polls before finalizing the law, which was reviewed by the judiciary, the Fatwa and Legislation Authority, and the Public Prosecution. The resulting fines aim to deter reckless driving and serious violations, such as running red lights, which endanger lives. The 2025 Unified Traffic Week for GCC countries will carry the slogan 'Driving without Accidents,' continuing the theme from 2024. Al-Subhan highlighted that most accidents result from driver inattention, often due to mobile phone use. Since 1984, Traffic Weeks across GCC countries have successfully improved driver behavior and road safety. Congestion and Traffic Behavior Regarding traffic congestion, Al-Subhan acknowledged ongoing road expansions and bridge constructions to alleviate the issue. However, he stressed that personal traffic behavior, such as crossing road lines or blocking others, remains a significant problem. Kuwait has a long history of traffic regulation, dating back to 1930, with laws evolving over the decades to address changing needs. Under the new law, settlement orders for violations now range from 15 to 150 dinars, up from the previous range of 5 to 50 dinars. Habitual violators, especially those committing serious offenses, will be referred to court without the option of settlement. Violations and Accountability Al-Subhan clarified that vehicle owners are held responsible for violations, even if someone else was driving at the time. If a vehicle owner disputes a fine, they must identify the driver during the violation. He shared an example of a woman fined 30,000 dinars for violations committed by her son's friends, who were driving her vehicle without her knowledge. Seat Belt Law Enforcement Al-Subhan reiterated that drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts, with vehicle owners held accountable for compliance. With the new law's implementation, patrols and control rooms have observed increased adherence to seat belt regulations. He noted that it is now rare to see drivers or passengers without seat belts. In conclusion, Al-Subhan emphasized the importance of the new law and its stricter fines, given the lax attitude some had toward the previous penalties. In 2024 alone, Kuwait recorded 66,000 accidents, averaging 200 to 300 daily, with 28 to 30 injuries and 284 fatalities, including 11 children. The new law aims to curb these alarming statistics and enhance road safety.
