The Ministry of Interior on Thursday launched a service for transferring the sponsorship of domestic workers and drivers through the unified government electronic services application Sahel.

In a press release, the Ministry of Interior said that the service allows the categories of “single females” and “divorced or widowed females with children” to transfer the sponsorship of one driver and one domestic worker.

It added that the category of “married, divorced or widowed males” can transfer the sponsorship of one driver and a maximum of three domestic workers, while the “single male” category is allowed to transfer the sponsorship of one driver only.

Where salt plains and industrial corridors once dominated the horizon, a different kind of infrastructure is beginning to emerge — ultra-clean fabrication facilities, semiconductor supply chains, precision manufacturing ecosystems and high-technology partnerships that are reshaping India’s industrial future.

India’s semiconductor ambition, once viewed largely as a long-term aspiration, is now entering a phase of visible execution.

Global technology majors, domestic conglomerates, policy institutions and advanced manufacturing firms are converging around a strategic national objective: building a robust semiconductor ecosystem that can support India’s digital economy, electronics manufacturing drive and technological sovereignty.

The momentum has accelerated sharply in 2026, with a series of investments, partnerships and policy initiatives positioning India as an emerging node in the global semiconductor value chain.

Dholera emerges as India’s ‘Silicon Gateway’

At the centre of this transformation stands Dholera, the smart industrial city in Gujarat that is rapidly evolving into India’s semiconductor capital.

Backed by large-scale infrastructure development, connectivity projects and industrial planning, Dholera has become the focal point of India’s attempt to establish a globally competitive chip manufacturing base.

The Tata Group’s semiconductor fabrication project in Dholera has emerged as one of the defining industrial ventures of the decade.

The project, developed in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), represents one of India’s most ambitious attempts to enter advanced semiconductor fabrication.

The significance of the project deepened further in May 2026 when Tata Electronics entered into a strategic partnership with Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML.

The collaboration is expected to support advanced chip manufacturing capabilities in India and strengthen access to critical lithography technologies that power modern semiconductor fabrication.

The development attracted global attention because ASML occupies a uniquely important position in the semiconductor world. Its lithography systems are considered essential for manufacturing advanced chips used in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, automotive electronics and high-performance computing.

The Tata-ASML engagement signals growing international confidence in India’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions and reflects how India is increasingly being integrated into strategic global technology supply chains.

A strategic shift in global manufacturing

India’s semiconductor push is unfolding at a time when global electronics and chip supply chains are undergoing major restructuring.

The disruptions witnessed during the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and rising demand for trusted manufacturing ecosystems have encouraged companies and governments to diversify semiconductor production bases beyond traditional centres.

India is positioning itself as one of the major beneficiaries of this transition.

According to policy discussions and strategic assessments released by government-linked institutions, including NITI Aayog, India possesses several advantages that support long-term semiconductor growth.

These include a large engineering workforce, expanding electronics manufacturing capacity, rapidly growing domestic digital demand and strong government support for advanced manufacturing.

India’s electronics market itself has expanded dramatically over the past decade.

Smartphones, data centres, electric vehicles, defence electronics, telecommunications infrastructure and artificial intelligence applications are driving demand for semiconductor components at unprecedented levels.

This expanding demand base is creating the foundation for domestic chip manufacturing to evolve from a policy aspiration into an industrial necessity.

Govt incentives accelerate the ecosystem

The semiconductor mission launched by the Indian government has become a central pillar of the country’s technology and manufacturing strategy.

Production-linked incentive schemes, capital subsidies and infrastructure support are being deployed to attract investments across the semiconductor value chain, including fabrication plants, assembly and testing units, compound semiconductors, packaging facilities and design ecosystems.

India’s semiconductor programme is also focusing on creating an integrated ecosystem rather than isolated manufacturing projects. This includes support for chemicals, gases, substrates, clean-room technologies, semiconductor-grade water systems and high-precision logistics.

The long-term nature of semiconductor manufacturing has prompted authorities to focus heavily on infrastructure readiness.

Dholera’s industrial planning includes dedicated power systems, water infrastructure and logistics connectivity designed specifically for semiconductor manufacturing requirements.

This approach reflects lessons learned from established semiconductor hubs in East Asia, where industrial ecosystems evolved through deep coordination between infrastructure, policy and manufacturing networks.

Tata Electronics leads the industrial push

Among Indian companies, the Tata Group has emerged as the most visible private-sector force in semiconductor manufacturing.

Beyond fabrication plans, Tata Electronics has expanded aggressively into electronics assembly, semiconductor packaging and precision manufacturing.

The company’s semiconductor strategy reflects a broader industrial transition in India, where conglomerates are increasingly investing in high-value technology manufacturing instead of relying solely on traditional industrial sectors.

The Tata-PSMC project in Dholera is expected to manufacture chips for sectors including automotive, power management, communications and consumer electronics.

These segments are experiencing sustained global demand growth, particularly as electric mobility and artificial intelligence applications expand worldwide.

Industry observers view the project as strategically important because semiconductor fabrication requires long-term capital commitment, operational precision and ecosystem development.

The project is also expected to stimulate ancillary industries and supplier networks across multiple states.

India’s design strength gains manufacturing depth

For decades, India played a major role in global semiconductor design while lacking large-scale domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Thousands of Indian engineers contributed to chip design, verification and software development for global firms, especially in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Noida.

India is now attempting to bridge the gap between design expertise and manufacturing capability.

The combination of design talent, software strength and emerging fabrication infrastructure could create a more comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem within the country.

This integration is becoming increasingly valuable as industries seek resilient and geographically diversified technology supply chains.

India’s semiconductor ambitions also align with broader national priorities, including digital infrastructure expansion, electronics exports, defence manufacturing and artificial intelligence development.

The growth of data centres, 5G networks, electric vehicles and advanced electronics manufacturing is expected to create sustained domestic semiconductor demand for years ahead.

Global partnerships and tech confidence

One of the most striking aspects of India’s semiconductor story is the level of international participation now visible in the sector.

Collaborations involving companies from Taiwan, the Netherlands, Japan and the United States indicate that India is gradually becoming part of the strategic global semiconductor conversation.

These partnerships extend beyond investment and increasingly include technology transfer, workforce training, equipment integration and manufacturing expertise.

The partnership between Tata Electronics and ASML particularly underscored this shift. Semiconductor manufacturing depends on highly specialised technologies and trusted supply relationships, making international collaborations critical for ecosystem development.

India’s growing role in trusted technology partnerships is also being strengthened by its expanding geopolitical and economic relationships with major global economies seeking diversified manufacturing bases.

Building a long-term industrial future

India’s semiconductor mission represents more than a manufacturing initiative. It marks a broader industrial transition in which the country is moving deeper into high-technology production, advanced engineering and strategic manufacturing.

The scale of the transformation underway in Dholera reflects this ambition.

Roads, logistics corridors, industrial utilities and specialised manufacturing zones are being developed not simply for immediate production targets, but for long-term industrial expansion.

As semiconductor ecosystems mature globally, countries that combine manufacturing capability with engineering talent and market scale are expected to occupy increasingly influential positions in the digital economy.

India’s efforts suggest that it intends to become one of those countries. The journey from software services to semiconductor fabrication is neither symbolic nor incremental. It represents a shift towards technological depth, industrial capability and strategic manufacturing resilience.

From Silicon Valley partnerships to fabrication lines rising in Dholera, India’s semiconductor ambitions are no longer confined to policy papers or investment announcements. They are beginning to take physical shape on the ground, signalling the emergence of a new industrial chapter in the country’s economic story.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has launched a new electronic service that enables citizens and residents to obtain certificates detailing their previous residential addresses through the government’s Sahel application.

The newly introduced service allows users to request a “Certificate of Previous Addresses” directly from the certificates section within the Sahel platform, eliminating the need for in-person visits and streamlining access to official documentation.

PACI said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital government services, improve user convenience, and accelerate the delivery of public services through integrated electronic platforms, reports Al-Anba daily.

Through the new feature, applicants can securely access records of their previous residential addresses and obtain an official certificate electronically, saving time and reducing administrative procedures.

The launch reflects Kuwait’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at expanding e-government services and providing efficient, user-friendly solutions for citizens and residents alike.

Esteemed members of Media in Kuwait,

The Embassy of India in Kuwait cordially invites members of the media to the Indian Mango Festival 2026, celebrating the rich diversity and exquisite flavours of Indian mangoes.

The festival will showcase a wide variety of premium Indian mangoes and offer visitors an opportunity to experience the taste, aroma, and cultural significance of India’s “King of Fruits.”

📍 Venue: The Avenues, Kuwait
📅 Date: 11 June 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

You are warmly invited to cover the festival and relish the rich flavours of India’s finest mango varieties.

The Ministry of Interior issued a circular to regulate domestic worker recruitment, specifying the countries from which recruitment is permitted, as well as a list of countries from which recruitment is prohibited. This is part of updating the procedures and regulations related to domestic worker recruitment.

According to a source, the circular specifies 10 countries from which domestic workers (male and female) can be recruited:

The countries are South Africa, Benin, Senegal (males only), Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Nepal.

Recruitment procedures will be completed within the governorates.

The circular includes a list of 27 countries from which recruitment is prohibited. This measure was taken based on observations and recommendations from several official bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Public Authority for Manpower.

In some of these countries, the ban applies only to females.

The source indicated that some of the countries on the lists have diplomatic representation in the country, while others do not have embassies in Kuwait, Al-Anba daily reports.

The source confirmed that the relevant authorities circulated the decision to the residency affairs departments and service centers to operate accordingly starting from the date of the update the day before yesterday.

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) marks its 59th anniversary on June 7, commemorating nearly six decades of distinguished service in safeguarding the homeland, protecting vital installations and providing support to state institutions as part of Kuwait’s national security and defense system.

The KNG was established under Decree-Law No. 2 of 1967, issued by the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, on June 7, 1967. The decree created the National Guard as an independent body separate from the Armed Forces and public security agencies, operating under the Supreme Defense Council.

On the same day, another Amiri decree appointed the late Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah as Chief of the National Guard. He undertook the responsibility of building the institution and laid the foundations for a national force dedicated to serving and protecting Kuwait.

Throughout his leadership, Sheikh Salem Al-Ali guided the National Guard through decades of development, helping establish its standing among Kuwait’s defense and security institutions.

His efforts were supported by successive national leaders, including the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, KNG Chief Sheikh Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah when they assumed the position of Deputy Chief of the KNG, contributing to advancing the Guard’s capabilities and operational readiness.

The National Guard carries out the tasks required of it efficiently and professionally, which it proved during the recent aggressive Iranian attacks on Kuwait, as they showed readiness and performed their tasks efficiently and competently.

Furthermore, strategic planning has been a cornerstone of the National Guard’s development efforts. In 2010, it launched its first strategic plan under the slogan “Security is the Foundation of Development,” followed by subsequent plans aimed at strengthening institutional performance, operational readiness and inter-agency cooperation, leading to the strategic plan (2030 – Protecting the Homeland) These plans focused on developing skills, enhancing technical capabilities and expanding cooperation with military and security institutions in friendly and neighboring countries.

They also sought to promote innovation and modern management practices across all sectors of the organization. Among the achievements resulting from this strategic vision was the introduction of rotary-wing aviation capabilities to support rescue, evacuation and operational missions.

The National Guard also implemented integrated security systems and digital transformation projects that enhanced administrative efficiency and electronic communications. The National Guard has further expanded its role as a national support force by establishing specialized units dedicated to assisting state agencies during emergencies. Through training, planning and cooperation agreements, it has strengthened Kuwait’s preparedness to confront crises and ensure continuity of essential services.

Large numbers of National Guard personnel have been also enrolled in academic and professional programs inside and outside Kuwait, while specialized training centers have been established to enhance technical skills, language proficiency and the use of modern technologies.

KNG’s leadership has also invested in upgrading infrastructure and training facilities, including advanced shooting ranges and modern military training complexes, as well as medical centers, support facilities and service projects for personnel, all in line with international standards.

Kuwait National Guard continues to strengthen its capabilities and reinforce its role as a pillar of national security, committed to protecting the homeland and supporting state institutions in accordance with its founding mission and strategic vision for the future.

Source: KUNA

The Ministry of Interior has announced the addition of four new categories eligible to obtain visas for domestic workers and drivers through the unified government electronic services application “Sahl”, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline and expand digital government services.

In a press statement, the ministry said the newly launched service enables the electronic issuance of visas for domestic workers and drivers according to clearly defined eligibility categories.

These include a single female, who is entitled to one driver and one domestic worker; a single male, eligible for one driver only; a divorced or widowed woman with children, eligible for one driver and one domestic worker; and married, divorced, or widowed males, who are entitled to one driver and up to three domestic workers.

The ministry emphasized that the initiative reflects its commitment to enhancing digital transformation and simplifying procedures for citizens and residents through the “Sahl” platform, reducing the need for in-person transactions and improving service efficiency.

The Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) has introduced a new electronic service designed to improve emergency response times for people with disabilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through digital transformation.

Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib, Director of Public Relations at the KFF, said the service enables the registration of data related to persons with disabilities within the systems linked directly to the operations center. The initiative allows emergency responders to identify a caller’s condition and special requirements in advance when receiving emergency reports.

Al-Gharib explained that the platform enables users to record details including the type and degree of disability, contact information, and emergency contact numbers of family members. This information helps fire and rescue teams respond more effectively and take appropriate action immediately upon arrival at the incident site.

He added that the operations center functions around the clock using advanced technical systems to receive and process emergency reports, further enhancing the readiness of fire and rescue teams and supporting an integrated safety and security framework for all members of society.

The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the Central Blood Bank is continuing to receive blood donors across several affiliated centers as part of efforts to support the national strategic blood reserve and enhance the country’s health preparedness.

In a press statement, the ministry clarified that the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya welcomes donors from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm, on Friday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

It added that the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center, located next to Al-Adan Hospital, operates on the same schedule, ensuring consistent donor access throughout the week.

The Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Center, adjacent to the Maternity Hospital, receives donors from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm, while additional branches at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and the New Jahra Hospital also operate during the same weekday timings, according to an Arabic daily.

Meanwhile, the donation branch at Hamad Al-Humaidhi and the Sheikha Al-Sudairawi Medical Center in Shuwaikh Residential area receive donors from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that expanding donor reception hours across multiple centers reflects its commitment to maintaining adequate blood supplies and strengthening emergency readiness.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has announced a series of notable astronomical events expected to light up Kuwait’s skies during June 2026, including planetary conjunctions, the summer solstice, and the appearance of the full “Strawberry Moon.”

The month begins with a major celestial highlight on June 9, when Venus and Jupiter will appear in close conjunction. The two planets will be separated by just 1 degree and 38 arcminutes, with the event visible from Kuwait City at around 7:02 pm as night falls.

On June 13, the sky will feature a conjunction between the Moon and Mars, as the 27-day-old Moon passes 5 degrees and 38 arcminutes south of the planet. The phenomenon will be visible shortly before dawn at approximately 2:43 am.

June 15 will mark the occurrence of the new moon, when the Sun and Moon align on opposite sides of the Earth, rendering the Moon invisible from Earth.

Two notable conjunctions will occur on June 17. The Moon will pass close to Jupiter at a distance of 2 degrees and 32 arcminutes, followed by an exceptionally close approach to Venus at just 16.2 arcminutes. In some regions of the world, this alignment may result in a lunar occultation of Venus, where the Moon briefly obscures the planet. The events will be visible from Kuwait around 7:05 pm after sunset, offering a striking view for skywatchers.

On June 21, the summer solstice will take place, marking the astronomical beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. It is the longest day of the year, with daylight lasting approximately 14 hours and two minutes in Kuwait.

The month will conclude on June 29 with the full moon, known globally as the “Strawberry Moon,” a name originating from Native American traditions linked to the strawberry harvesting season.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center said these events provide exceptional opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts to observe rare celestial alignments, many of which will be visible to the naked eye under clear skies.

The Public Authority of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced new check-in counter closure times for passengers traveling through Kuwait International Airport, with the revised procedures set to take effect from June 1, 2026.

According to an official notice issued by the DGCA, the move is part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, facilitate smoother passenger processing, and ensure flights depart on schedule during periods of increasing travel demand.

Under the new regulations, passengers traveling to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and other Arab destinations must complete check-in procedures at least one hour before their scheduled departure time, as check-in counters will close exactly 60 minutes prior to takeoff.

For passengers traveling to all other international destinations, check-in counters will close one hour and 30 minutes before departure, requiring travelers to arrive at the airport well in advance to complete check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures.

The DGCA urged all passengers to take note of the revised timings and plan their journeys accordingly, particularly during peak travel periods and holiday seasons when airports typically experience higher passenger volumes.

Aviation officials emphasized that passengers arriving after the designated check-in closure times may not be permitted to complete travel procedures or board their flights, even if they hold confirmed reservations.

Kuwait has been ranked second in the Gulf region and 40th globally among 82 countries included in the “Global Migration Index 2026” issued by Remitly, which evaluates the world’s most attractive destinations for expatriates and migrant workers.

The index assesses countries based on living standards, employment opportunities, income levels, safety, public services, and overall quality of life, offering a comprehensive overview of conditions that influence migration decisions worldwide.

According to the report, Kuwait advanced one position compared to last year, ranking second globally in terms of the density of expatriate populations relative to total population.

The findings highlight Kuwait’s continued reliance on expatriate labour across key sectors, including energy, healthcare, construction, and domestic services.

The report also noted Kuwait’s strong economic environment, citing its relatively low unemployment rate, where it ranked fifth globally among the ten countries with the lowest unemployment levels.

This reflects the resilience of the national economy and its ability to generate stable employment opportunities for both citizens and expatriates.

At the regional level, the United Arab Emirates maintained its position as the country with the highest proportion of foreign residents globally, while Kuwait followed in second place, reinforcing the Gulf’s dominance as a major global hub for migrant labour.

Luxembourg and Oman also featured prominently in the rankings, reflecting their growing attractiveness to foreign workers due to strong financial sectors and expanding infrastructure and energy projects.

The index was compiled using 34 indicators across 16 migration categories, drawing on data from international institutions including the World Bank, OECD, and leading academic research centers.

Countries were assessed on a standardized scale covering income, healthcare, safety, infrastructure, integration, and overall migrant experience.

The report further highlighted that Switzerland topped the 2026 global ranking, followed by Iceland, Luxembourg, Australia, and Germany, underscoring strong performance among advanced economies with high living standards and well-developed social systems.

It added that Kuwait’s position reflects the continued importance of expatriate communities in shaping its demographic and economic landscape, particularly as the country advances development across public and private sectors.