PACI Advocates Dedicated Expat Service Centers to Match Citizen Facilities. In response to the recurring issues concerning residency stickers and civil IDs, government authorities are taking proactive measures to address the challenges faced by expatriates during various transactions, such as banking operations and international travel.
PACI Advocates Dedicated Expat Service Centers
The ongoing predicaments encountered by expatriates residing in the Gulf State have prompted officials to revisit the existing system and identify areas for improvement. Despite efforts, a comprehensive solution to these difficulties has yet to be fully realized.
PACI’s Call for Expatriate Service Centers
The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has advocated for the establishment of service centers tailored to the needs of expatriates, mirroring the centers currently available for Kuwaiti citizens. This recommendation has been highlighted in a report by the Arab Times Online.
Catering to Expatriate Needs
Presently, Kuwait accommodates over 3.3 million expatriates situated across various governorates. To streamline the registration process and issuance of civil ID cards for these individuals, PACI has urged the Ministry of Finance to create specialized service centers akin to those serving citizens.
Steps Towards Implementation
To realize this initiative, PACI intends to solicit proposals from specialized companies in this field to establish the necessary centers. These centers would be integrated into the main computer network, with stringent data confidentiality measures in place. Their primary function would be updating and inputting data.
Advantages of Expatriate Service Centers
PACI has outlined six key benefits associated with opening these service centers:
Alleviating Pressure on Main PACI Building:
By dispersing the workload to dedicated centers, the strain on the primary PACI facility would be reduced.
Enhancing Geographical Accessibility:
These centers would cover a broader geographic range, ensuring convenient access for expatriates.
Extended Working Hours:
Expanding operational hours of these centers would enhance accessibility and convenience.
Cost Allocation:
The responsibility for establishing, equipping, staffing, and integration with PACI’s systems would fall on the service companies.
Financial Transactions:
The service companies would collect fixed service fees and manage the transfer of these funds to PACI’s account.
Regulatory Compliance:
PACI supervisors would oversee operations at these centers to ensure adherence to Authority standards and regulations.
Positive Outcomes for Both Expatriates and Citizens
This proposed approach holds benefits not only for the expatriate community but also for Kuwaiti citizens. The substantial number of expatriates in the country means that the expansion of service centers would create employment opportunities for nationals. Moreover, this expansion would help decongest PACI centers, which are responsible for managing transactions for both citizens and expatriates across the state.
