Biometrics Pending for 530,000 Expats. The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has issued a final call to expatriates who have not yet completed the mandatory biometric registration, a process crucial for maintaining access to essential services and legal residency in Kuwait.
With a deadline of December 31, 2024, it is critical for all expats to complete this requirement promptly to avoid suspension of government, financial, and personal transactions.
The Ministry’s biometric program aims to strengthen security protocols and improve identity verification procedures for all residents in Kuwait. Since its launch, it has streamlined and secured various processes essential for Kuwait’s residents and has successfully registered millions.
However, as of recent data, approximately 530,000 expats are still pending in completing this procedure.
Kuwait Biometric Registration Requirement
The biometric registration initiative mandates all expatriates to undergo fingerprint scanning and verification as part of Kuwait’s national security measures. This process applies to all residents and involves multiple channels, including the Sahel app and Meta platform, to facilitate easy booking and scheduling.
| Biometric Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total residents completed | 2.1 million |
| Remaining residents (expats) | 530,000 |
| Biometric launch date | Last year |
| Deadline for pending expats | December 31, 2024 |
Why Biometrics Are Essential for Expatriates in Kuwait
Biometrics serve as a crucial element in Kuwait’s security framework by enabling efficient identity verification for millions of residents, thereby minimizing identity-related fraud and improving the safety of all individuals within Kuwait’s borders. For expatriates, the biometric registration facilitates:
- Secure access to services: Ensures access to essential government and financial services.
- Legal residency status: Required for renewing residency permits and official documentation.
- Enhanced security: Aids in reducing identity fraud by verifying each individual’s fingerprint identity.
Complete Steps to Biometric Registration Before the Deadline
The Ministry has made the biometric registration process accessible through two main channels: Sahel app and the Meta platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking and completing your biometric registration.
Step 1: Book an Appointment Through Sahel App or Meta Platform
To start the process, expats can book their biometric appointments through the Sahel app or the Meta platform, which provide easy online scheduling.
- Download and open the Sahel app or Meta platform on your mobile device.
- Login or create an account using your civil ID and mobile number.
- Navigate to ‘Biometric Registration’ under services and select a preferred date and time.
- Confirm your appointment to secure your slot at a nearby biometric center.
Step 2: Visit a Biometric Center in Your Governorate
Once you have an appointment, visit the designated biometric center in your area, which could be one of the security directorates in Kuwait’s six governorates or the specific fingerprint centers for companies.
- For Individual Expats: Attend the biometric center in the governorate where you reside.
- For Company Employees: Visit centers in Umm Al-Hayman or Jahra if directed by your employer.
| Biometric Centers by Governorate | Location |
|---|---|
| Capital Governorate | Security Directorate |
| Hawalli Governorate | Security Directorate |
| Ahmadi Governorate | Security Directorate |
| Jahra Governorate | Jahra Fingerprint Center |
| Farwaniya Governorate | Security Directorate |
| Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate | Security Directorate |
Consequences of Not Completing Biometric Registration by December 31, 2024
Failure to complete biometric registration will lead to severe repercussions, including but not limited to:
- Suspension of Government Transactions: Expats without biometrics will face restrictions on all government services, including access to ministry-related transactions.
- Banking Restrictions: The ability to perform banking and financial transactions may be suspended.
- Residency Renewal Issues: Those who do not complete biometric registration cannot renew their residency status in Kuwait, potentially leading to complications with legal stay.
The security source from the Ministry has confirmed that these restrictions are strictly enforced, and there will be no extensions beyond the December 31 deadline.
Sahel App and Meta Platform Book Your Appointment Online
Both the Sahel app and Meta platform have been developed as part of Kuwait’s digital transformation, making it convenient for expats to complete essential procedures, including biometric registration, through digital platforms.
By booking through these applications, the Ministry aims to minimize congestion at centers and streamline the registration process.
How to Use Sahel App for Biometric Registration
- Download Sahel App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Login with your Civil ID and Password.
- Select ‘Biometric Registration’ and choose your preferred date, time, and location.
- Confirm Appointment to complete the booking.
Meta Platform for Appointment Scheduling
For residents familiar with the Meta platform, similar steps apply:
- Login or Register on Meta Platform using your civil details.
- Find the Biometric Appointment Section and enter your location and preferred time.
- Submit and Confirm your appointment.
Importance of Compliance for Expats in Kuwait
The biometric registration initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to upholding security and enhancing public services. Compliance with the biometric process is essential for expatriates who wish to continue living and working in Kuwait without disruptions.
Benefits of Completing the Biometric Registration
- Uninterrupted Access to Services: Registered residents can seamlessly access government services, financial transactions, and residency renewals.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Biometrics strengthen Kuwait’s security landscape by ensuring that all residents have authenticated and verifiable identity records.
- Long-Term Residency Validity: Residency permits require up-to-date biometric records for renewal, enabling expats to maintain legal status in Kuwait.
FAQs About Kuwait Biometric Registration
Q1) Who needs to complete biometric registration?
Ans:- All expatriates in Kuwait are required to register by Dec. 31.
Q2) What happens if I don’t register?
Ans:- Failure to register will lead to a suspension of services and transactions.
Q3) Where can I register?
Ans:- At biometric centers in your governorate or specified locations.
Q4) Is an appointment required?
Ans:- Yes, through the Sahel app or Meta platform.
Q5) Will there be an extension after Dec. 31?
Ans:- No extensions are planned; it is essential to meet the deadline.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Interior strongly encourages all expatriates in Kuwait to act promptly and complete the biometric registration by December 31, 2024. Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also an assurance of access to essential services and residency rights.
By completing this step, expatriates contribute to Kuwait’s robust security framework and reinforce their place in the vibrant Kuwaiti community.
